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They may all look the same at first glance, but today we know that there are more giraffe species than previously thought. A recent review by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), based on original and updated data as well as expert opinions, has recognised the existence of four distinct species and several subspecies. The definition of the number of giraffe species that exist has always been a matter of debate among scientists worldwide. In fact, in 2016, it was believed that there was only one species with as many as nine subspecies. So, what led to this update? Genetic and genomic analyses carried out on existing giraffe populations have been made possible by recent scientific advances.

The assessment was conducted using the so-called “traffic light system,” already applied to other animal groups such as canids and felids. This method combines multiple converging lines of evidence: morphological/phenotypic characteristics (physical traits distinguishing one population from another), genetic data (to reconstruct close and distant relationships), and biogeographical information (showing how populations have been distributed and separated in the past and present).

The traffic light categories are:

Distinct (green): three or more independent lines of evidence indicate clear differences.

Probably distinct (yellow): multiple lines of evidence suggest differences, but further research is needed.

Unknown/Invalid (grey): little or no available evidence.

Not distinct (red): no evidence of separation, or published studies confirm conspecificity or subspecificity.

A key contribution to this review came from 3D morphometric analysis of 515 giraffe skulls from across Africa. By contrast, the coat pattern — although distinctive — is not considered a reliable criterion, as its shape and colour vary with age and population.

The combined data clearly distinguished (green light) the following species, with their respective subspecies:

Giraffa camelopardalis (G. c. antiquorum, G. c. peralta, G. c. camelopardalis)

Giraffa reticulata

Giraffa tippelskirchi (G. t. tippelskirchi, G. t. thornicrofti)

Giraffa giraffa ()

These taxonomic updates are crucial for conservation, as they provide a clearer picture of giraffe diversity and offer a solid foundation for targeted management of their populations.

See You Soon and Good Science!

We are moving to a very charismatic family: The giraffes. I had a little trouble trying to identify the species and subspecies of this family because has been changing throughout the years. It was thought to be one single species with nine subspecies. Today, different taxonomic divisions are recognized but probably the most accepted are four species, eight subspecies, and one ecotype (which I will explain in the future) So let's begin!

Reticulated Giraffe It is a single species with no subspecies. Along with the Rothschild's giraffe, those two are the most common giraffes in zoos and are probably the ones you have seen.

Its coat might be the easiest to recognize because its patches are very distinctive from other giraffes (sharp-edged, reddish-brown polygonal patches divided by a network of thin white lines).

Its particular shape has evolved in order to be able to eat the tallest branches of the trees avoiding all kinds of competence. Once an adult, the chances of being hunted by predators diminishes dramatically, making it a very successful animal.

It is facing a dramatical decrease in population due is the target for hunting for different purposes. Not just for trophy hunting but also various body parts are used for different things: Meat for food, the hairs of the tail served as bracelets, necklaces, threads, etc. Shields, sandals, and drums were made using the skin, and the strings of musical instruments were from the tendons, etc. Many organizations are taking care of this animal in Africa and all over the world. It will be a total shame to lose an animal like this one. Store Instagram ______________________________________________ References: Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals giraffe conservation maryland zoo Reticulated Giraffe _______________________________________________

Thank you guys for your support. I'm gonna mix things up a little in order not to bore you with one whole family of mammals at once. So next week, a whole new species that I think you gonna like.

“An orphaned baby reticulated giraffe embraces @r.e.s.c.u.e wildlife keeper Lekupania. This giraffe will be rehabilitated and returned to the wild, as a number of others have done before him. Giraffes are undergoing what has been referred to as a silent extinction. Current estimates of populations across Africa have dropped 40 percent in three decades, plummeting from approximately 155,000 in the late 1980s to under 100,000 today. The decline is thought to be caused by habitat loss and fragmentation and poaching, but with the lack of long-term conservation efforts in the past, it's hard to know exactly. Reticulated giraffe themselves number fewer than 16,000 individuals. Scientists are now undertaking major studies to understand why giraffes are disappearing and what can be done to stop it.”