Habitat Dry, open, wooded areas, tree-dotted plains, savanna. Feeds together with ostrich, zebra and antelope. Lives in small herds of females and young dominated by a single, adult male. There is a rank order within the herd. Life History Mating is non-seasonal.
Mother defends calf from predators with vigor.
Females mature at 5 years. Life span about 25 years in the wild, as long as 28 years in captivity. Long neck allows animal to feed among treetops and spot predators. Long, tough, prehensile tongue pulls leaves from branches and is not damaged by thorns during feeding. Special muscles open and close nostrils, and long eyelashes also protect against dry, dusty wind.