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2813477 
Journal Article 
The scent of the reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) 
Wood, WF; Weldon, PJ 
2002 
Yes 
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology
ISSN: 0305-1978 
30 
10 
913-917 
WOS:000178808600002 
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) emits a scent that can be detected by humans over considerable distances. Dichloromethane extracts of hair samples from adult male and female reticulated giraffes (G. c. reticulata) were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two highly odoriferous compounds, indole and 3-methylindole, identified in these extracts appear to be primarily responsible for the giraffe's strong scent. Other major compounds identified were octane, benzaldehyde, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, p-cresol, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and 3,5-androstadien-17-one; the last compound has not previously been identified from a natural source. These compounds may deter microorganisms or ectoparasitic arthropods. Most of these compounds are known to possess bacteriostatic or fungistatic properties against mammalian skin pathogens or other microorganisms. The levels of p-cresol in giraffe hair are sufficient to repel some ticks. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 
Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata; giraffe; scent; anti-ectoparasitic agents; antimicrobial activity