Maasai Giraffe

Identification

The Maasai giraffe is the largest-bodied giraffe species and the tallest land animal on Earth. Bulls are generally larger than cows, weighing close to 1.3 tonnes and growing up to 5.8 metres (19 feet) in height. The most distinctive feature of the Maasai giraffe is its coat pattern: jagged and irregular leaf-like blotches that extend from the hooves to the head, setting it apart from other giraffe species with their more geometric spot patterns.

The species' famous neck contains seven vertebrae and makes up roughly one third of its body height. A long and muscular prehensile tongue, which can reach up to 50 centimetres in length, allows the animal to grasp leaves from tall trees inaccessible to other animals. The tongue's darker pigment acts as a natural sunscreen. On top of the head are two bony structures called ossicones, covered in thick skin with dark hair on the tips; bulls typically have an extra ossicone between the eyes.

Range & Habitat

The Maasai giraffe is native to East Africa and can be found in central and southern Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Luangwa Valley region of Zambia. This species is the national animal of Tanzania. The Thornicroft's giraffe, also known as the Luangwa giraffe, found in the Luangwa Valley region of Zambia, is a subspecies of the Maasai giraffe.

Behaviour & Diet

The Maasai giraffe uses its extraordinarily long tongue to feed on leaves from tall trees, a feeding behaviour that takes advantage of its unique anatomy. When galloping, the species has been recorded to reach speeds of almost 64 kilometres per hour (40 miles per hour). Ossicones are used during fights between individuals to club opponents. In the wild, Maasai giraffes can live to around 30 years of age, with individuals in captivity often living longer.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Maasai giraffe's survival is influenced by seasonal factors, including the season of birth and the seasonal presence of long-distance migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra. Protected areas across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia offer the best opportunities for viewing this species, as demographic studies show that protected areas are important for sustaining giraffe populations in the larger landscape.

Photography Tips

Photograph the Maasai giraffe's distinctive jagged and irregular spot pattern, which provides excellent contrast and detail at all distances. The species' impressive height and long neck offer dramatic compositional opportunities, particularly when the animal is silhouetted against the African sky or feeding from acacia trees. Early morning and late afternoon light will best highlight the texture and pattern of its coat. Look for the characteristic ossicones on the head and the dark-tipped ears as identifying features in your shots.