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Why do giraffe have spots?

The giraffe's distinctive patches not only serve as camouflage but also function as a cooling system. Each patch contains a network of blood vessels that allow the giraffe to regulate its body temperature by releasing excess heat.
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The primary purpose of a giraffe’s patches or spots is camouflage. However, beneath each patch lies a complex network of blood vessels.

Surrounding each patch is a relatively large blood vessel that branches into smaller vessels underneath the patch. Giraffe can direct blood through these small branches into the center of the patch to release heat through this system. Each patch serves as a thermal window for releasing body heat.

The image on the left below displays the patches of a giraffe, while the image on the right shows the intensity of heat radiation. It is evident that the pattern of patches directly corresponds to the pattern of heat radiation on the giraffe’s body.

All images from the BBC 4 documentary Inside Nature’s Giants – Giraffe.

Did you know?

Giraffe are extinct in 7 African countries.

Over the past 35 years, giraffe numbers have decreased by nearly 30%. In regions once considered prime habitats, their numbers have dropped by up to 95%, and giraffe have lost nearly 90% of their historical range over the last three centuries.

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Our work with local and international partners affects over 100 million acres of giraffe habitat.

We envision a world where all giraffe can live wild and free within their historical ranges or habitats throughout Africa and are protected by the people around them.

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