Giraffes Reimagined: Africa’s Tallest Mammals Are Four Unique Species, Not One

For over two centuries, giraffes were grouped as a single species.

But new IUCN-endorsed research and a IUCN giraffe reclassification has changed everything: giraffes now stand tall as four distinct species, each with its own unique traits, threats, and needs.

What the Research Revealed

A landmark genomic analysis, supported by TRAFFIC, IUCN, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), and other partners, concludes that giraffes fall into four genetically distinct species, no longer subspecies of one giant group.

These are:

• Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
• Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata)
• Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)
• Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa)

These species diverged from one another over 1 to 2 million years ago, with genetic differences as pronounced as those between brown bears and polar bears.

Skull Shapes Confirm the Split

An extensive skull morphology study, analysing 515 giraffe skulls via 3D geometric morphometrics successfully differentiated the four species based on cranial features, especially the shape of the ossicones (horn-like protrusions)

For instance, Northern giraffes have large, sharply pointed median ossicones, while Southern giraffes display more subtle protrusions. The Masai and Reticulated giraffes fall somewhere in between, following a geographic pattern from south to north.

Population Snapshots & Conservation Implications

Population estimates (approximate):

• Northern giraffe: 7,000 - most endangered due to poaching and political instability
• Reticulated giraffe: 21,000
• Masai giraffe: 44,000
• Southern giraffe: 69,000 - the most numerous

Together, fewer than 117,000 giraffes roam Africa, highlighting an urgent need for species-specific conservation strategies

Why This Discovery Matters Now

• Sharper Conservation Focus: With four species, protection plans can be customised, not one-size-fits-all.
• Accurate IUCN Listings: Each species can now receive an accurate Red List status; previously their survival was blurred under one category
• Enhanced Awareness: Highlighting the genetic, geographical, and anatomical differences encourages better public and policymaker engagement.
• Avoiding Dangerous Translocations: Mixing species through relocation or captive breeding could dilute genetic integrity or reduce fitness.

This breakthrough- recognising four distinct giraffe species is a long overdue yet monumental shift in wildlife science and conservation.

From skull shapes to genetic codes, giraffes are telling us: their diversity matters. And now, conservationists and policymakers have the clarity needed to help each species thrive, if we act fast.

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