Habitat
The
Rhodesian giraffe is only found in Africa, more specifically the
Zambian Desert where
there are thickets, shrubs, and open grassland present. Zambia
is a landlocked country that is mostly flat with a tropical
climate but miles of desert land. The South Luangwa Valley in
north east Zambia is known for its prevalent Rhodesian giraffe
population (Bercovitch et al., 2010a).
It is estimated that there is only about 1,500 Thornicroft
giraffes that exist in the wild with none in captivity (Tutchings
et al., 2013). This large valley is not only home to the
Thornicroft giraffe but to buffalos, hyenas,
zebras, lions, cheetahs and leopards as well. The
African Elephant (Laxondanta africana) also shares the
Zambian Desert and is one of the Rhodesian giraffes primary
competitors for food. The Luangwa River, which stretches
throughout Zambia is the main source of water support to the
animals that inhibit it. Lets take a look at how the Rhodesian
giraffe has adpated to life in the South Luangwa Valley.