Somali Giraffe
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| Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata |
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The Somali Giraffe or Reticulated Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata, is a subspecies of giraffe native to Somalia. Reticulated giraffes can interbreed with other giraffe subspecies in captivity or if populations are low in the wild.
The reticualted giraffe is the most well-known of the nine giraffe subspecies, and is by far the giraffe most commonly seen in zoos. It's coat consists of 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. The giraffes and native north-eastern Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
The extraordinary height of giraffes allows them to browse on branches of trees that other hoofed animals can't reach. This has helped make them one of the most successful animals of the African savannah. Giraffes are also fast, able to gallop up to 56 km/h (35 mph). Mothers aggressively defend their calves, kicking out with their feet at the approach of lions or hyenas.
