Knowra Giraffidae Giraffidae Giraffidae is a family of even-toed ungulates containing giraffes and okapis. Living members have paired bony head projections, and giraffes are distinguished by exceptionally long necks.
Giraffe : A tall African ruminant with an exceptionally long neck, spotted coat, and paired bony head projections called ossicones. The best-known living member displays the family's striking neck and head features.
Masai giraffe : A giraffe species native to Kenya and Tanzania, marked by irregular, jagged-edged coat patches. It is one of the recognized living giraffe species within Giraffidae.
Palaeotragus : An extinct genus of giraffid with relatively short limbs and a neck shorter than that of living giraffes. Its fossils show that ancient giraffids included forms unlike the modern giraffe.
Giraffe neck : The elongated neck of a giraffe, supported by seven greatly lengthened cervical vertebrae. Extreme neck elongation is the family's most conspicuous specialization in giraffes.
Giraffe conservation : The protection and management of giraffe populations, habitats, and genetic diversity. Conservation status varies across giraffe species and their fragmented ranges.
Pecora : A clade of ruminant even-toed ungulates that includes giraffids, deer, bovids, and musk deer. Giraffidae is one branch within this larger group of ruminants.
Northern giraffe : A giraffe species native to parts of northern and eastern Africa, including the Kordofan and Nubian giraffe populations. Its populations are among the living giraffids grouped as giraffes.
Sivatherium : An extinct, heavily built giraffid with large head appendages, known from Africa and Eurasia. Its imposing skull and body broaden the picture of giraffid diversity.
Giraffe locomotion : The walking and running movements of giraffes, including their distinctive pacing gait and high-speed gallop. Long limbs and a large body shape how giraffes move across open ground.
Okapi conservation : Efforts to protect okapis and their forest habitat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The family's forest-dwelling member faces pressures distinct from those affecting giraffes.
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