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.
Giraffes do not have specific mating seasons, so calves can be born at any point throughout the year. Mother giraffes remain standing during birth, which causes the calf, or rarely twin calves, to fall almost 6 feet to the ground. The calves are able to stand and run within an hour of being born.