Two male Giraffes (giraffa camelopardalis) just before "necking" near a water hole in the Etosha National Park.

Two male Giraffes (giraffa camelopardalis) just before "necking" near a water hole in the Etosha National Park. Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

Paul Springett A / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

A77CKA

File size:

70 MB (2.5 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?

Dimensions:

4006 x 6108 px | 33.9 x 51.7 cm | 13.4 x 20.4 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

June 2003

Location:

Africa, Namibia, Etosha National Park.

More information:

Male giraffes often engage in necking, which has various functions. One of these is combat where males that are successful in necking have greater access to mate with females. These fights rarely last more than a few minutes or end in physical harm. Another function of necking is affectionate and sexual, in which two males will caress and court each other, leading up to mounting and climax. Same sex relations are more frequent than heterosexual behaviour.