Species · GBIF taxon 5787063
West African Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis peraltaAlso known as Niger Giraffe, Nigerian Giraffe, West African Long-necked Giraffe
West African giraffes stand out with their strikingly pale coats and light tan, rectangular patches that do not extend below the hocks. These highly social giants migrate seasonally between the dry tiger bush plateaus and the fertile agricultural valleys of Niger, coexisting closely with local farming communities. Their survival relies entirely on community-led conservation initiatives that protect their remaining Sahelian scrubland habitat.
HerbivoreDiurnal
Licensed referenceEric.dane / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Acacia Leaves
- Combretum Leaves
- Boscia Foliage
Predators
- Humans
ThreatsHabitat loss to agriculture, wood harvesting, and desertification.
HabitatsSahelian dry savannahs, scrublands, and tiger bush plateaus.
Life span20 to 25 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGiraffidae
- SpeciesGiraffa camelopardalis peralta
Native
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Can deliver lethal kicks if threatened; maintain a respectful distance of at least 50 meters.
- What to notice
- Look for exceptionally pale legs and light, reddish-yellow spots that fade towards the underbelly.
- Support conservation
- Never approach on foot without a certified guide, and keep vehicles on designated tracks to avoid disrupting their feeding.
Responsible observation
- Observe quietly: Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling the herd.
- Hire a local guide: Always visit the Kouré reserve with an authorized local guide to ensure safe and respectful viewing.
- Watch for warning signs: If an individual stops feeding and stares directly at you, back away slowly.
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative Doug Belshaw / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Michal Sloviak, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michal Sloviak · cc-by
Only Living Relative (c) Melvin TOULLEC, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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