A watchful guardian cow allows calves to explore and play nearby. The unusual coats of giraffes have disruptive patterns to camouflage them as they amble through scrubby bush. While predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and African wild dogs look for easy prey such as newborns and disabled loners, adult giraffes with their long necks, lanky legs, and good eyesight are rarely surprised by hunters. Also, yellow-billed oxpeckers frequently accompany giraffes in search of insects that light on their backs. These birds cry out a warning if they spot approaching enemies.
Predators know it is often safer to attack an animal caught off guard.
Because thirsty giraffes must spread out their front legs and lower their heads to reach water, they are most vulnerable when drinking. Fortunately, they can go without drinking for several days. Although common in East Africa, giraffe populations in the rest of Africa have been decimated. Native people use the thick hide for decorating shields, the tail hairs for making jewelry or fly swatters, and the tough meat for food. Many remaining populations are threatened because these giant mammals compete for both land and resources with livestock and may trample farmers' crops.