‘Vital’ new study changes what we know about giraffes

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA herd of northern giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in Uganda's Kidepo Valley National Park ((Michael Brown/IUCN via AP)A new assessment has concluded there are four distinct giraffe species, overturning the previous classification of the world’s tallest land mammal as a single species. The review, conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), used genetic data, skull structure, bone shape, and geographical features to identify the separate species. Historically, giraffes were classified as a single species with nine subspecies, but uncertainty over their taxonomy has long existed. Scientists describe this reclassification as vital for better assessing their conservation status and targeting action to protect them, as giraffes are currently vulnerable to extinction. The four officially recognised species are the Northern giraffe, Reticulated giraffe, Masai giraffe, and Southern giraffe, each with several recognised subspecies. In fullMajor new assessment recognises four separate giraffe species for the first timeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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