The occurrenceof major storms every 30 years in thiscentury may be the most importantfactor controlling mangrove ecosystemdynamics in south Florida. Shouldstorms become more intense over thenext century, they may further alter thestructure and composition of thismangrove landscape.
Gestation. Giraffes are pregnant for a period between 14 and 15 months, or 453 to 464 days, one of longest gestation periods in the animal kingdom. Giraffes usually give birth to one offspring at a time, although twins are born occasionally. Because the gestation period is so long, the giraffe won't give birth to another baby for 16 months or more.
Birth: As two giraffes stand guard from hyenas out of shot, this giraffe starts to give birth on the savanna of the Masai Mara National Reserve, in Kenya. Down on all fours: The mother giraffe bends her thin legs until she is down on her knees as she tries to squeeze the calf out, which slowly begins to emerge.