When galloping, the hind legs are brought forward almost together and placed outside the front. Maximum galloping speed is 31-37 mph. Giraffes form scattered herds. Being a gregarious animal, individuals band together into loose groups for protection against predators. Home ranges in giraffes are large, about 46 sq.
Bulls are non-territorial, and amicably coexist together within overlapping home ranges.
Each individual knows its relative status in the hierarchy, which minimizes aggression. Young males have developed an elaborate ritual, called necking, to determine dominance. The necks are slowly intertwined, pushing from one side to the other, rather like a bout of arm-wrestling in humans. Female giraffes conceive for the first time in their fifth year. With a gestation period of 15 months, a mean interval between births of 20 months, and a maximum longevity of 25 years, a cow may produce up to 12 calves in her lifetime.