Giraffe gazelle
Giraffe gazelles are also known as gerenuk, belonging to the gazelle-like group. The population of these animals has never been large, mainly because gerenuks are rather solitary and only come together during the mating season…
Due to human hunting, this species has become even rarer, so that today it is estimated that there are only around 70,000 of these animals left in Africa.
Appearance
What characterizes the gerenuk? As the name suggests, these animals have a long neck, even though they are not related to regular giraffes or oryx, which resembles that of giraffes. Furthermore, their long legs are striking, reaching a shoulder height of up to 95 centimeters. Another characteristic of the gerenuk is its reddish-brown coat, which becomes lighter towards the belly until it is completely white. On the gazelle's face, there is a white eye ring that becomes thinner towards the muzzle. The last important feature of the gerenuk, which only the males exhibit, are the horns. These are directed backwards and have a ridged structure.
Habitat
Where do today's gerenuks live and what is their lifestyle? These animals are particularly common in Ethiopia and Somalia, but there are also populations in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The preferred habitat of a gerenuk is the thornbush savanna, where there is plenty to eat and the animals can protect themselves well from predators.
Diet
The special thing about these African mammals is that they can almost completely do without water, as they obtain all the fluid they need from their food. As mentioned above, the animal is usually on its own. Only when a female has a young to care for or it is mating season, these animals are found in small groups or even larger herds of several dozen individuals.
