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Structures similar to the horns of oxen, the horns, which resemble two little antennae, are used by males to hit opponents when they fight each other, exchanging headbutts and neck thrusts. As for the females, these structures are of no use these days, since they don’t get into fights. “In the remote past, horns were associated with a defense mechanism: they were used by giraffes to defend themselves against predators. But over time, they lost that role. Today, the giraffe’s only predator is the lion, which is fought with violent kicks”, says biologist Kátia Cassaro, from the Zoological Foundation of São Paulo. Unlike horns, which are changed periodically, horns are for life. “They are an extension of the skull and if they break, they won’t grow anymore”, says Kátia.
Known scientifically as ossicons, they are formed from pieces of bone covered by skin and can measure up to 13.5 centimeters. The curious thing is that when giraffes age, calcium deposits build up on top of their heads, giving the impression that they have gained new horns.