MALE GIRAFFES BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE WITH PIX AND VID By Shuk Yee Tsang Two towering giraffes were caught in a fierce duel, swinging their long necks in a dramatic fight for dominance. The incredible moment was filmed by Roger de la Harpe alongside his wife Pat, professional wildlife photographers from Hermanus, South Africa. Roger captured the scene while visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park in the Northern Cape. Roger explained that this behaviour, known as necking, is how male giraffes establish hierarchy and secure mating rights. The battle unfolded where a herd of giraffes grazed peacefully on camel thorn trees, aptly nicknamed giraffe thorn trees, while the two bulls fought for position. The powerful display lasted around 20 to 30 minutes before the dust finally settled. Roger said, “These interactions range from gentle sparring among young males to more intense encounters with two big, experienced bulls. Roger added, “People often wonder if it hurts, I guess it must.” END
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