Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth with some males reaching the heights of 18 feet.Their spotted coats and long neck make them one of the most recognizable animals in the world.They are herbivores animals,feeding upon green leaves and fruits on the trees and shrubs.They are mostly found in Savannas and grasslands.Giraffes are beloved and very iconic specie in the Kingdom Animalia.
Did you know that giraffes have 30% more chances to get struck by a lightning strike than humans. This is because of their unique behaviour, some physical characterstics and some environmental factors. A few of them are as under:
Height: Giraffes are the tallest mammals that reach the height of up to 18 feet of 5.5 meters. Their height make them the tallest object in the area and as you know that lightnings mostly strikes the tallest objects.
Conductive body: Giraffe’s bodies are relatively conductive to electric current, means electricity can flow through their body very easily. Their long legs and neck act like a conductor, increasing the risk of a direct strike.
Habitat: Giraffes likes to live in open areas and grasslands which offer less protection for them against the lightning strike. Lightnings always strike on the tallest object in the environment, in grasslands and savannas, Tall objects could not be seen easily, so the lightning strikes often the tall giraffes.
Behaviour: Giraffes often stands at a same place for a long time during the storm. Increasing the chances to get hit by a lightning. They also feel difficulty in finding shelters due to their height. This increases their exposure to open sky.
Giraffes are more likely to be struck by lightning. It is still a rare case. However, their unique combination of height, conductivity and habitat provide them more chances to get struck by a lightning than human beings.
