According to multiple sources, including the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Smore Science Magazine, and BBC Science Focus Magazine, the color of a giraffes tongue is best described as black, blue, or purple with a pink base or back. The front part of the tongue has such dark coloration to protect it during frequent sun exposure while eating and prevent the tongue from getting sunburned. The darker color is a result of the extra melanin that is present, which helps to prevent sunburns and can protect them. The end of their tongue tends to be black and may be more pink or purple near the top since that portion is not as exposed to the sun. The backs of giraffe tongues are a lighter pink color, similar to most other creatures. Giraffes use their 45-50 cm long prehensile tongue and the roof of their mouths to feed on a range of different plants and shoots, most notably from Senegalia and Vachellia species.