Provides a comprehensive overview of one of nature's most engaging mammals

* Covers fossil history, taxonomy, genetics, physiology, biomechanics, behavior, ecology, and conservation

* Includes genetic analysis of five of the six subspecies of modern giraffes

* Includes giraffe network studies from Laikipia Kenya, Etosha National Park, Namibia andSamburu National Reserve, Kenya

• Covers fossil history, taxonomy, genetics, physiology, biomechanics, behavior, ecology, and conservation
• Includes genetic analysis of five of the six subspecies of modern giraffes
• Includes giraffe network studies from Laikipia Kenya, Etosha National Park, Namibia andSamburu National Reserve, Kenya

Preface vi

1 Introduction to the giraffe 1

2 Origins 13

3 Present distribution and geographical races 26

4 Anatomy 42

5 Physiology 60

6 Individual behaviour 76

7 Individual ecology 100

8 Social networks, movement and population regulation 134

9 Conservation status and wildlife reserves 166

References 187

Index 217