Read the following text and answer questions 30 to 33

    Do you know that a giraffe may grow more than six metres tall? Yes, the giraffe is a very tall animal. In fact, it is the tallest animal in the world.

    A giraffe has a very long neck. Unfortunately, the giraffe cannot bend its neck easily. Thus, when it wants to drink water at a pool, the giraffe has to spread its front legs apart, so it can reach the water.

    A giraffe feeds on plant only. Hence, it can reach the leaves on trees easily because of its height. Also, a giraffe has a very long tongue — about 0.5 metres long. The giraffe uses this long tongue skillfully to pick leaves off plants and trees.

    This tall animal can protect itself very well. It has a very good sense of smell and sight. It can hear very well, too. It can also gallop very fast —at a speed of 50 km.p.h.

    The giraffe's hind legs and long neck are also very useful. For example, a giraffe can kick its enemy with its hind legs or even hit out with its long neck.

33. “ ... can protect itself very well." (paragraph 4)

What does the underlined word mean?