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- Big 5
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Giraffe, Reticulated
SWAHILI NAME: Twiga
CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
CATEGORY: Special 5
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Masai giraffe, Nubian (Rothschild) giraffe
DISTINGUISHED BY: Hexagonal, “hand-painted” brown patches
1. Chew old bones to stock up on calcium and minerals
2. Can go weeks without drinking water, relying on plant moisture
PHOTO CREDIT: Jotham A
Gazelle, Grants
SWAHILI NAME: Swala Granti
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Thomson’s Gazelle, Impala
DISTINGUISHED BY: Larger size, long curved horns, and a light-colored coat without a strong black stripe.
1. Can survive in dry areas with little water, relying on moisture from food.
2. Built for endurance, it can sustain high speeds over long distances.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bonface Mwangi
Reticulated giraffe, Nubian (Rothschild’s) giraffe
SWAHILI NAME: Twiga
CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically Endangered
POTENTIAL LOOKALIKES: Masai Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe
DISTINGUISHED BY: Darker patches, smoother edges than Masai giraffes, set against a pale cream background.
1. It has “white socks,” with no markings below the knees.
2. Unlike most giraffes, it has five ossicones (horn-like bumps on its head).
PHOTO CREDIT: Bonface Mwangi