Masai or Maasai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi), Tsavo West National Park, Taita-Taveta County, Kenya, East Africa. Masai giraffes are tallest land animal on Earth and are the national animal of Tanzania. Maasai giraffes are native to Tanzania and central and southern Kenya. Masai giraffes have the largest body of the four genetically-distinct giraffe species. From hooves to head, Masai giraffes have jagged leaf-like blotches resembling jigsaw puzzle pieces. Bulls are generally larger and heavier than cows, weighing close to 1,300 kilograms (2,900 pounds) and growing up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in height. In the wild, individuals can live to 30 years old, or usually longer in captivity. A giraffe's neck contains seven vertebrae making up one third of its body height. Its long and muscular tongue, which can be up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in length, is prehensile and allows it to grab leaves from tall trees that are inaccessible to other animals. On top of the head are two bony clubs for fighting, called ossicones, covered by thick skin with dark hair on the tips. Bulls usually have an extra ossicone between the eyes. When galloping, the Masai giraffe reaches speeds of almost 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour). IUCN considers Masai giraffes as endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. // The A109 road Nairobi-Mombasa and a railway divides Tsavo West National Park from the adjoining Tsavo East National Park. Together with adjoining ranches and protected areas, they comprise the Tsavo Conservation Area.
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