Giraffe: Biology, Behaviour and Conservation

Description

With its iconic appearance and historic popular appeal, the giraffe is the world's tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Recent years have seen much-needed new research undertaken to improve our understanding of this unique animal. Drawing together the latest research into one resource, this is a detailed exploration of current knowledge on the biology, behaviour and conservation needs of the giraffe. Dagg highlights striking new data, covering topics such as species classification, the role of infrasound in communication, biological responses to external temperature changes and motherly behaviour and grief. The book discusses research into behaviour alongside practical information on captive giraffe, including diet, stereotypical behaviour, ailments and parasites, covering both problems and potential solutions associated with zoo giraffe. With giraffe becoming endangered species in Africa, the book ultimately focuses on efforts to halt population decline and the outlook for conservation measures.

Anne Innis Dagg is a Senior Advisor for the Independent Studies Program at the University of Waterloo, Ontario. Her passion for giraffe has inspired much of her research. In 1976 she co-authored the first scientific book on the species, and in 2010 she was honoured at the inaugural meeting of the International Association of Giraffe Care Professionals. She is also the author of Animal Friendships (Cambridge, 2011).

'Dagg's discoveries and observations during fieldwork as well as autobiographical details make this book an engaging, inspiring and informative read that is well worth the time to read from cover to cover.' Amanda Hardy, The Biologist