Analysis of the social and reproductive behaviour of the west African giraffe (giraffa camelopardalis peralta) for optimal population management

This study aims to understand the biology of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta) and its ethological characteristics for optimal management. Little is known about the social and reproductive behaviour of the Niger giraffe. This information enables conservation measures to be adapted for the sustainable management of the giraffe. The present study was conducted in the area between 13°00' and 14°30' north latitude and 2°30' and 3°30' east longitude. Direct daily observations of the giraffe were conducted from 0800 pm to 0700 am for 111 days, from April 2018 to March 2019 on the trays of Kouré, Fakara, Fabidji, Falmey, Northern Dallol Bosso, Fandou, Dingazi-banda and Simiri. It appears from this study that adult females are more numerous; are always accompanied either by a giraffe or by other giraffes of different classes and or sexes. The average herd size is 5.59±3.49 individuals in the cold dry season, 3.96±1.42 individuals in the hot dry season and 7.58±5.20 individuals in the rainy season. All combinations are possible, except groups of young and giraffe only. After 243 observations, only 21 individuals were observed solitary and all of them are adult males, so, no solitary females. There are several types of associations between individuals of the same class and/or different sexes. The average birth rate is 0.13±0.08 individuals and a proportion of 32.93% for breeding females. The rate of increase is 11% and the mortality rate is close to 2% by year. The causes of death are mainly natural. The distance between individuals in a group is about 121.19±80.02 meters. There is an important social connection between the mother and the giraffe baby.