Friday, July 23, 2010

Types of Giraffes in Kenya

There are various species of Giraffes in the world with various physical traits that distinguish them. Despite these differences, through research, it has been found out that they all belonged to one main species but through evolution in different geographical regions, these differences have therefore emerged. The funny thing about giraffes is that they are the only animals that are born with horns at birth. In Kenya there are mostly three kinds of species found though they are so similar making it hard for the common eye to spot the difference.
Maasai Giraffe or Kilimanjaro Giraffe As the name suggests is found in central and southern Kenya and Tanzania. It is unique with its jagged-edged, vine-leaf shaped spots of dark chocolate on a yellowish background.
Rothschild Giraffe or Baringo Giraffe or Ugandan Giraffe has deep brown, blotched or rectangular spots with poorly defined cream lines. Hocks may be spotted. It is found in Uganda and northern Kenya.
Reticulated Giraffe or Somali Giraffe has large, polygonal liver-colored spots outlined by a network of bright white lines. The blocks may sometimes appear deep red and may also cover the legs. It is found in northeastern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
The next one is the Angolan Giraffe or Smoky Giraffe which is characteristic of large spots and some notches around the edges, extending down the entire lower leg and is found mostly in Angola, Zambia.
The rest of the species are in southern Africa and they include the South Africa Giraffe, the Rhodesian Giraffe, the Nubian Giraffe, the Kordofan Giraffe and the Nigerian Giraffe.
Where is the best spot for finding these animals you may ask? None other than the Giraffe centre and the Karen Blixen Farm both of which are situated in Karen, Nairobi.
Travel Desitnation to Kenya

1 comment:

hjarta said...

Did you know that:-
* A lion can die if kicked by a giraffe.
* A giraffe's heart is 24 pounds in weight and 2 feet in length.
* Giraffes are social animals, that live in open herds.
* A giraffe seldom lies down, it can sleep as well as give birth standing up!
* Giraffes are silent animals, but, they are certainly not mute. Sounds like the bleating of calves, and the bellowing of cows, have been heard.
* Giraffes can survive for long periods without consuming water.
* Giraffes are blessed with excellent eyesight. This helps them keep an eye on each other from a distance.