Note the two ossicones rising between the ears of this female giraffe.
Ever wondered what those fuzzy, horn-like bumps on a giraffe's head actually are? They aren’t horns or antlers—they’re ossicones.
Unlike the antlers of a deer that drop off every year, ossicones are permanent fixtures made of ossified cartilage covered in skin and fur. They actually start as separate structures and fuse to the skull as the giraffe matures.
So, what are they for?
While they might look like cute accessories, they serve a few key purposes:
Defense & “Necking”: Male giraffes use them as weighted clubs during “necking” battles to establish dominance.
Thermoregulation: Some scientists believe they help dissipate heat in the African sun.
Gender ID: You can usually tell a male from a female by the top of the ossicone—males are often bald on top from sparring, while females keep their stylish tufts of hair!
Watch the video below to see a ossicone up close.