Giraffe

Biology, Behaviour and Conservation

Anne Innis Dagg

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2014
• Print ISBN: 9781107034860
• eBook ISBN: 9781107723054
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Zoology
• Index: Biological Sciences

With its iconic appearance and historic popular appeal, the giraffe is the world's tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Recent years have seen much-needed new research undertaken to improve our understanding of this unique animal. Drawing together the latest research into one resource, this is a detailed exploration of current knowledge on the biology, behaviour and conservation needs of the giraffe. Dagg highlights striking new data, covering topics such as species classification, the role of infrasound in communication, biological responses to external temperature changes and motherly behaviour and grief. The book discusses research into behaviour alongside practical information on captive giraffe, including diet, stereotypical behaviour, ailments and parasites, covering both problems and potential solutions associated with zoo giraffe. With giraffe becoming endangered species in Africa, the book ultimately focuses on efforts to halt population decline and the outlook for conservation measures.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title page
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Dedication page
• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations
• 1 Time-line of giraffe
• 2 The giraffe’s environment
• 3 Feeding in the wild
• 4 Social behaviour and populations
• 5 Individual behaviours
• 6 External features
• 7 Anatomy
• 8 Physiology
• 9 Pregnancy, growth, reproduction and aging
• 10 Giraffe in zoos
• 11 Status and conservation of giraffe races
• Appendix Parasites and pathogens
• References
• Index