Giraffe are primarily browsers, predominantly consuming leaves and buds from trees and shrubs. Their diet also includes herbs, climbers, vines, flowers, and fruits when in season, with a minimal proportion of grass. In most areas, Vachellia or Senegalia (formerly known as Acacia) leaves and shoots make up the majority of their diet.
Giraffe use their long, dexterous tongues and the ridged roof of their mouths to feed on a variety of leaves and shoots, depending on the plants’ defenses. They adapt their diet to the available food species in their specific region, including deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, and evergreen species near water sources during different seasons.
Male giraffe can feed at higher levels due to their longer necks, but both genders reach near-vertical positions to access preferred forage. Adult females have a nutritionally richer diet than males, consuming lower proportions of fiber and lignin. Giraffe seem aware of their nutritional needs, as seen in nursing females in Niger avoiding tannins in leaves despite the presence of higher quality forage.
Despite their size, giraffe are less destructive than elephants when feeding. Researchers have observed that in moderate numbers, giraffe can stimulate shoot production in plant species, which declines when browsing pressure is removed. However, natural plant protection methods, such as carnivorous ants, limit excessive browsing.
Giraffe benefit some of their food sources through seed consumption and dispersal, promoting seed germination. They also play a role in pollination.
Feeding occupies a substantial part of a giraffe’s day, up to 75% during certain times of the year. Browsing time increases in the dry season due to the scarcity of high-quality forage, requiring them to travel further. Although giraffe are active at night, they are believed to feed more during moonlit nights and ruminate more during dark nights.
