Hunting and Feeding: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

The extremely long neck associated with the giraffe is a very beneficial evolutionary adaptation that allows this large animal to compete with many smaller herbivores that inhabit the African Savannah (Pellew, 2009). Due to their intense height, giraffe’s are able to reach well above their competitors and selectively browse the best parts of the tallest trees, feeding primarily on fruits, flowers and fresh shoots on 40 – 60 different species including commiphora, mimosa and even spiny acacia (Uhlenbroek, 2008).

Giraffes possess the ability to nip leaves from between the long thorns of acacia trees due to the presence of long muzzles, flexible lips and a long, dextrous tongue which enables them to reach deeps into clumps of tree branches (Dagg & Foster, 1976). Because their lips and tongue are covered with thick, horny bumps called papillae, giraffes are seemingly immune to the acacias thorns (Dagg & Foster, 1976).

To ensure they have access to sufficient quality and quantity of food – with adults eating up to 35kg a day – the giraffe roams widely and in lean times can consume dried leaves, twigs and even thorns (Uhlenbroek, 2008). Giraffes are ruminants, meaning they possess four stomachs and first chew and swallow their food, before regurgitating and re-chewing, a process that happens several times before digestion is complete (Pellew, 2009).  Uniquely however, the giraffe is able to ruminate while walking, an adaptation which is perfect for their roaming, nomadic lifestyle (Uhlenbroek, 2008).

Reference:

Dagg, A.I. & Foster, J.B. (1976). The giraffe: It’s biology, behaviour and ecology. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., NY.

Pellew, R.A. (2009). The feeding ecology of a selective browser, the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). Journal of Zoology, 202(1), 57-81.

Uhlenbroek, C. (2008). Animal Life. Penguin Group, UK.

Hunting and Feeding: Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macroclemys temminckii)

The Alligator snapping turtle is a master of disguise; blending seamlessly with the rocks and debris of its river based home it is the ultimate ambush predator (Bowen et al, 2001). This turtle gets its name from the crude but effective method of hunting mainly due to the way it sits with its mouth open like a crocodile or alligator in the sun, then snaps its jaws shut is a swift movement (Pritchard, P.C.H, 1989). These unusual turtles inhabit the lake and river ecosystems of North America and can grow up to 65cm long (Uhlenbroek, 2008).

Because the snapping turtles entire body – including the inside of its mouth and eyes – are the same drab colour and pattern, the long, wiggly, red tongue is the only distinguishing feature that can be seen by prey and resembles perfectly the movement of a worm (Bowen et al, 2001). As such the turtle simply lies in wait, with its hooked jaws held wide open, and wiggles its tongue around in an attempt to mimic the movement of a worm to attract prey (Uhlenbroek, 2008).

Once prey comes close enough, the turtle quickly snaps its hard jaws shut, crushing the prey instantly before swallowing (Pritchard, P.C.H, 1989). The snapping turtles diet consists mainly of fish, snakes and amphibians but they are also know to prey on other turtles or even readily eat carrion if the opportunity arises (Uhlenbroek, 2008).

References:

Bowen, B.W., Moler, P.E., Roman, J. & Santhuff, S.D. (2001). Population Structure and Cryptic Evolutionary Units in the Alligator Snapping Turtle. Conservation Biology, 13(1), 135-142.

Pritchard, P.C.H. (1989). The alligator snapping turtle: Biology and conservation. Milwaukee Public Museum, WI.

Uhlenbroek, C. (2008). Animal Life. Penguin Group, UK.