- 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 FULL
Major new assessment recognises four separate giraffe species for the first time
