It is differentiated from other types of giraffe by its coat, which consists of large, polygonal (or squared), block-like spots, which extend onto the lower legs, tail and face.

These prominent liver-red spots also show much less white between them, when compared to other giraffe species.

[4][6] While the reticulated giraffe may yet still be found in parts of its historic range, such as areas of Somalia and Ethiopia, its population stronghold is primarily within Kenya.

The reticulated subspecies was described and given a binomial name, Giraffa reticulata, by British zoologist William Edward de Winton in 1899.

[citation needed] Classed within the infraorder Pecora, the closest extant relative of giraffes is the elusive okapi (Okapia johnstoni) of Central Africa, with both species possessing a long, black, prehensile tongue for browsing foliage as well as ossicones, the bony, horn-like skull growths on the animal’s forehead (often tipped with tufts of fur).

The closest living relative to both giraffes and okapi outside of Africa is the North American pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) of the Antilocapridae, in which it is the sole extant species.

Additionally, deer (Cervidae) are distantly related to giraffes, okapi and pronghorn, as they are also classed within the infraorder Pecora.

Their favored habitats are acacia-dotted savannas, arid woodlands, seasonal floodplains, as well as semi-deserts, steppes and open forest.

[8] Additionally, they have been observed as far as Habaswein,[8] Mnazini[8] and Wajir,[8] as well as in Tsavo East National Park.

They are most active during the early and late parts of the day, such as dawn, dusk and midnight, due to their warmer environment, a habit that may also be described as crepuscular.

Their sleep patterns are usually short, consisting of no more than a couple hours at a time typically standing up.

These home ranges include both males and females and vary in size depending on food resources, gender, and water availability.

This compound and the smelly indole are at concentrations that have been shown to inhibit mammalian skin pathogens.

Their up to 30 centimeter long blue tongue is used to strip the branches of acacia trees, their primary food source.

Females display reproductive receptivity by emitting odor from their vaginal area and hindparts.

A male can enhance this scent by curling its lip which assists in bringing the odor to the vomeronasal organ of the giraffe.

One of these organizations is San Diego Zoo Global's "Twiga Walinzi" (meaning Giraffe Guards) initiative.

Home range and seasonal movements of Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis in the northern Namib Desert.

Pellew RA (1984b) The feeding ecology of a selective browser, the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi).