A new scientific analysis has revealed that there are four distinct giraffe species in Africa, according to a task force of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This increase quadruples the previously considered single species.
Researchers have used genetic data and studies highlighting anatomical differences to categorize the giraffes into Northern, reticulated, Masai, and Southern groups. Each species has unique population sizes, threats, and conservation needs.
The four species face different challenges: Northern giraffes are threatened by political instability and poaching; Masai giraffes in Kenya and Tanzania face habitat loss due to cattle pastures and fields. Southern giraffes are the most populous with around 69,000 individuals, while reticulated giraffes have approximately 21,000 individuals left in the wild.
The classification is significant as it highlights the need for individualized protection of each species. The analysis used advances in genetic sequencing technology to analyze over 2,000 giraffe samples, making it more accessible to conservation groups.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/giraffe-species-africa-a9cd75169f3d5b6122decb9a5e8493dd