Giraffes Belong to Four Different Species

Genetic researchers say that contrary to previous assumptions, there are four completely different species of giraffes in Africa. In other words, not all giraffes belong to the same species. Of these four species, the population of two groups has decreased to a concerning level. According to Reuters, a comprehensive report analyzing genetic data from 190 giraffes across Africa has recently been published. The genetic data shows that four different giraffe species, which have not interbred in nature, live in different parts of Africa. Julian Fennessey, one of the giraffe conservation officials in Namibia, states that these findings have surprised them greatly. In addition to genetic differences, researchers have identified other differences among these four groups, including body shape, color, and skin pattern. The researchers say that the genetic differences between these four groups are comparable to the differences between polar bears and brown bears. Until now, only one species known as the giraffe was recognized. However, based on this new research, four species of this animal are identified as Southern giraffe (with a population of 52,000), Maasai giraffe (with a population of 32,500), Somali giraffe (with a population of 8,700), and Northern giraffe (with a population of 4,750). Fennessey says that with these new findings, they hope to make greater efforts to conserve the different species of this animal. Although the giraffe population is alarmingly declining, this species is not yet listed as endangered or critically endangered. Over the past three decades, the number of giraffes has decreased from 150,000 to 100,000. However, findings regarding the very low populations of Northern and Somali giraffes place them in the category of endangered mammals. An adult giraffe is over 5.5 meters long. Their skin color is milky white or yellow, with brown spots visible on it.