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.
Females initially give birth at ages 6 and up, while males don't begin breeding until about the age of 7. In the wild, giraffes live about 15 years, while captive giraffes often reach age 25 or older.