Using their 45-50 cm long prehensile tongue and the roof of their mouths, giraffe consume various plants and shoots, particularly from Senegalia and Vachellia (formerly Acacia) species.
In response to the defensive thorns of Senegalia and Vachellia species, giraffe have developed dexterous tongues to sort out nutritious leaves. Thickened papillae on their tongues provide protection against these thorns. Additionally, thick saliva is believed to assist in safeguarding the tongue and mouth from the defensive mechanisms of their preferred food.
The tongue’s color, often described as black, blue, or purple with a pink base, raises questions about its purpose. It is commonly assumed that the dark coloration of the front part of the tongue acts as a shield during frequent sun exposure while eating, preventing sunburn. However, the exact reason remains a subject of ongoing exploration – in particular as giraffe share this trade with the elusive okapi which resides in dense rainforests, where sun protection is not a priority.
