A reassessment of the iconic species has “some dramatic implications for how we view giraffe conservation across Africa,” a new study concludes.

Giraffes have always been thought to be one species, but scientists now say there are four.

Based on genetic, morphological and biogeographical data, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announces a major change in classification.

A reassessment of the iconic species has “some dramatic implications for how we view giraffe conservation across Africa,” a new study concludes.