Giraffe

[Flutterby]

Lovely pics everyone!!

I also think that the ones with 4 or 5 horns should be separate species...but what do I know...? ?

Which giraffes have 4 or 5 horns?

[Flutterby]

Mel, our sighting at Girivana when the ellie chased the giraffes away...even onto the road.

[Flutterby]

Skull and ossicones

Both sexes have prominent horn-like structures called ossicones, which are formed from ossified cartilage, covered in skin and fused to the skull at the parietal bones. As they have blood vessles, the ossicones may have a role in thermoregulation, and are also used in combat between males. Appearance is a reliable guide to the sex or age of a giraffe: the ossicones of females and young are thin and display tufts of hair on top, whereas those of adult males end in knobs and tend to be bald on top. Also, a median lump, which is more prominent in males, emerges at the front of the skull. Males develop calcium deposits that form bumps on their skulls as they age. A giraffe's skull is lightened by multiple sinuses. However, as males age, their skulls become heavier and more club-like, helping them become more dominant in combat. The upper jaw has a grooved palate and lacks front teeth.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giraffe



Immature


Male

[nan]

naughty Ellie
one of the Giraffes seems to be pregnant

[Flutterby]

Actually never noticed that nan, but I think you're right.

[Richprins]

I also think that the ones with 4 or 5 horns should be separate species...but what do I know...? ?

Which giraffes have 4 or 5 horns?

I have searched...in vain! I just recall one of the subspecies having 4 horns as a kid...maybe they are dead? (with the nosebridge growth as a fifth)

Maybe the mind is going...

I'm sure nobody will mock me, and this incident is now closed.

[Lisbeth]

The females have longer hair on the horns

[Lisbeth]

A female having a bite

[Lisbeth]

A biiiig male in KTP

[Mel]

I think, we should compare the ellies, Flutts.
When was your sighting of that exactly?