Local names by region in Uganda.
The giraffe is the tallest terrestrial mammal, reaching up to 5.5 meters. In Uganda, the Rothschild’s giraffe is commonly found in Murchison Falls National Park.
Giraffes feed primarily on acacia leaves using their long prehensile tongues, which can grow up to 45 cm. Their cardiovascular system is highly specialised, supported by a heart weighing about 11 kg.
Male giraffes engage in “necking” battles for dominance, and recent studies confirm they communicate through low-frequency humming at night. A lesser-known fact is that giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans (seven), and their spot patterns not only identify individuals but also help regulate heat through blood vessels beneath the skin.
