Giraffes are known for their long necks and spotted coats, but one of their more curious behaviors is their tendency to swing their long necks and head butt each other. This necking behavior is commonly seen between male giraffes, and there are several theories as to why they do it.
Theories on Why Giraffes Neck
Establishing Dominance
One of the main theories is that male giraffes neck to establish dominance and maintain a hierarchy within the herd. By battling with their necks and heads, males can show off their strength and determine who is the most dominant. The most dominant male will have increased access to food and mating opportunities. The battles do not usually result in serious injury, so it serves more as a ritualistic competition.
Competition for Mates
Necking battles also help male giraffes compete for access to mates. During the mating season, males will neck battle much more frequently to determine who gets rights to mate with the females in the herd. The winners of these battles often gain mating privileges. It is a way for female giraffes to determine the strongest, most fit males as mating partners.
Disputes over Resources
As grazing animals, giraffes rely on access to vegetation for food. When resources are scarce, giraffes may neck battle as a way to compete for access to feeding grounds. By establishing dominance, the winners can feed while subservient giraffes may be displaced. This ensures the health of the dominant animals when food is limited.
Necking Behavior
When necking, male giraffes will swing their long necks and slam their heads into the body or neck of their opponent. They can strike each other with a force of over 1,000 psi. The blows are powerful enough to shatter bones or even kill. However, serious injury is rare as most necking bouts do not escalate to dangerous levels.
Initiating a Necking Battle
A necking duel is initiated when one male giraffe approaches another and rubs his neck along the length of the other’s neck. The males will size each other up for a bit before the neck swinging begins. Once one giraffe begins necking, the opponent will quickly retaliate. The battle ends when one male admits defeat by withdrawing. The battles can last over 30 minutes until a winner emerges.
Conserving Energy
An interesting fact about giraffe necking is that they hardly ever neck a rival to fatigue. The bouts do not seem to be all-out competitions but rather rituals to establish dominance without excessive energy costs. The giraffes do not aim for the head when necking but rather strike the body, which reduces lethality. They seem to be aware of conserving energy during these competitions.
| Neck Strike Location | Rate of Occurrence |
|---|---|
| Body | 75% |
| Head | 10% |
| Legs | 15% |
Physical Attributes for Necking
Giraffes have a few key physical adaptations that allow them to safely neck battle:
Neck Muscles and Vertebrae
Their necks alone weigh over 600 pounds. Thick neck muscles and vertebrae give strength and cushioning to absorb blows. This reduces the chance of spinal injury.
Ossicones
The small horn-like ossicones on their heads also act as shock absorbers to protect the skull and brain.
Thick Skin
Tough skin over their neck and shoulders helps protect from cuts and bruises during necking.
Aftereffects of Necking
While serious injury is uncommon, male giraffes do exhibit some temporary aftereffects from necking:
– Temporal cuts, scratches and bruises on the neck and body
– Swollen neck muscles and ossicones
– Stiffness of the neck for a few hours or days after intense battles
– Increased resting time to recover energy. Giraffes require over 20 hours of rest per day even at baseline. Necking may increase rest requirements.
Necking Differences Across Giraffe Subspecies
There are four subspecies of giraffe that exhibit some differences in their necking habits:
Masai Giraffe
This subspecies has the highest rates of necking compared to other types. Masai giraffes are found mainly in Kenya and Tanzania.
– Necking frequency: Daily necking common
– Group size: Loose herds up to 30 members
– Dominance: Hierarchy is well-established
Reticulated Giraffe
Native to north Kenya, their necking is less frequent and brutal.
– Necking frequency: Necking contests occur weekly
– Group size: Smaller herds of 5-8 giraffes
– Dominance: Loose hierarchy
Angolan Giraffe
Found in southern Africa, Angolan giraffes have a more equal dominance structure.
– Necking frequency: Occasional necking observed
– Group size: Large herds up to 50 members
– Dominance: Relatively equal status among males
South African Giraffe
As the name suggests, these giraffes live in South Africa and have a complex herd structure.
– Necking frequency: Frequent seasonal necking
– Group size: Medium herds around 20 members
– Dominance: Hierarchical with aggressive fighting
Conclusion
In summary, necking is an important social behavior for giraffes. Male giraffes participate in necking battles primarily to establish dominance and mating privileges within the herd. Their necking method seems designed to display strength with minimal risk of serious injury. Necking allows giraffes to conserve energy while competing for resources, mates and status. Even with their towering height and formidable weapons, giraffes manage to peacefully coexist in the savanna through this unique ritual.