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Giraffes can eat as much as 29 kilograms of acacia leaves and twigs daily. Herds of three or more giraffes spend hours browsing in acacia thickets, greedily gobbling up as much of the delicious foliage as they can.
Giraffes are herbivores and have a plant-based diet. The leaves of the acacia and mimosa tree are their favorite food but they will also eat other leaves, seeds, buds, branches of trees, and occasionally grass. In fact, academic research shows that giraffes can eat up to 85% of new acacia shoots!
Giraffes are herbivores, which means they eat plant material like leaves high in the trees, and they can eat up to 29 kilograms of acacia leaves and twigs daily. However the acacia trees have developed a few defensive mechanisms to ensure their survival from the hungry giraffes and animals that like to chew on their leaves and twigs.
A typical giraffe diet consists of mostly leaves. As ruminants, giraffes spend part of each day chewing their cud. The leaves of the acacia tree are a particular favorite, and giraffes will sometimes eat grasses, fruits and vegetables. However, grazing on the ground itself can be awkward.
Giraffes eat a combination of leaves, seeds, buds, and branches – and sometimes even grass. Their favorite trees to snack on are acacia and mimosa trees. The tall animals eat these plants as they are easy to reach.
Up to 90% of a giraffe’s diet is made up of leaves. Acacia tree leaves are their favorite! They also feed on seasonal fruit, flowers during blossom season, and occasionally grasses and herbs. Another important feature of giraffes is their long dark blue tongues that measure between 45-50 cm and help them feed.
The problem for Acacia trees is that one giraffe eats about 34 kg of foliage every day, and also, if stressed, giraffe are known to pull bark off the branches. This can have a devastating effect on woodlands but Acacia trees have evolved mechanisms to fight back, the first line of defense being long, vicious thorns. To
Giraffes favor eating the leaves and twigs of acacia trees. Although the trees are armed with big, sharp thorns to protect their juicy leaves from attackers, giraffes are able to use their long, maneuverable tongues and tough lips to get around them.
Their preferred meals consist of acacia tree leaves, which they skillfully pluck using their long, prehensile tongues. Giraffes have a unique way of feeding and are equipped with impressive adaptations that help them reach food sources other herbivores cannot access.
The giraffes can eat around the thorns and swallow the leaves. Are Acacia leaves safe for giraffes despite the thorns? Yes, giraffes handle the spiny acacia leaves very safely.