A Tall (And Watchful) Order

August 11, 2005

When giraffes interrupt their feeding to scan their surroundings, they're not just watching out for predators. They're watching for other giraffes, says USU researcher Johan du Toit. Females stay on the lookout for ardent male suitors that interfere with the all-important business of eating. Young males watch out for superior competitors spoiling for a fight. Findings suggest that adjustment of herd composition will increase feeding time to foster better health and survival.

From "Keeping an eye out," by Nick W. Atkinson, Natural History Magazine, July-August 2005. For more information, contact Johan T. du Toit, professor and department head, Department of Forest, Range and Wildlife Sciences, Utah State University, 435-797-3219.

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