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A leg up on hypertension: UP-Adelaide study reveals why giraffes have long legs

A new study by researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of Adelaide in Australia has revealed the real function of the giraffe’s long legs ¬– to reduce blood pressure.

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A tall order

This infographic explains the long and short of a giraffe's legs. By having long legs, the giraffe is able to reduce the pressure it needs to get blood to its brain, thereby saving the animal energy.

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Reaching new heights

Using a digital creation known as an “elaffe” – a half-giraffe, half-eland chimera – researchers were able to demonstrate how blood pressure is reduced and how much energy is saved by a giraffe.

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UP researchers discover optimum way to monitor blood oxygen levels in immobilised rhino, boosting efforts to combat poaching

New research by scientists at the University of Pretoria (UP) has shown that pulse oximeters, originally designed for humans, can be used more effectively to monitor the blood oxygen levels of rhinoceroses who are under anaesthesia and immobilised – by attaching them at an unusual site: the rhino’s ‘third eyelid’.

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How to attach a pulse oximeter to a rhino's third eyelid

UP researchers have been working on adapting the use of existing technology and testing it in the field to find an appropriate solution to mitigate complications arising from low oxygen levels during procedures like immobilisation. This new research improves our ability to provide care and ensure the well-being of rhinos in the field.

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Research shows there are more warm-bodied sharks than previously thought

New research arising from a collaboration between scientists at the University of Pretoria (UP) and Trinity College Dublin has shown there are likely more warm-bodied sharks out there than previously thought.