3427 x 5120 px | 29 x 43,3 cm | 11,4 x 17,1 inches | 300dpi
Aufnahmedatum:
2012
Ort:
South Africa Limpopo
Weitere Informationen:
Male giraffes use their necks as weapons in combat, a behaviour known as "necking". Necking is used to establish dominance and can occur at low or high intensity. In low intensity necking, the combatants gently rub their heads and necks and shoulders together and lean against each other. The male that can hold itself more erect wins the bout. In high intensity necking, the combatants will spread their front legs and swing their necks at each other, attempting to land blows with their horns. The contestants may move their necks at the last moment, to avoid being hit, and then get ready to counter. The power of a blow depends on the weight of the skull and the intensity of the swing. A necking duel can last for up for over half an hour, although an outmatched combatant may be quickly defeated. The winner will mount his opponent in a show of dominance. Males that are successful in necking have greater reproductive success.
