Giraffes, with their towering stature and distinctive spotted coats, are among the most recognizable animals on Earth. For a long time, the scientific community considered all giraffes to belong to a single species, with various subspecies exhibiting regional differences. However, recent scientific advancements have altered this understanding, revealing a more complex classification of these creatures. This reevaluation highlights the remarkable diversity within giraffe populations.
The Reclassification of Giraffes
For decades, giraffes were categorized as a single species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine recognized subspecies based on coat patterns and geographic locations. This classification began to shift with advanced genetic analysis techniques. Scientists conducted DNA studies, examining samples from 190 giraffes across various African regions.
These analyses revealed significant genetic differences among giraffe populations. The findings indicated four genetically distinct groups that do not interbreed in the wild. The genetic divergence between these groups is comparable to differences observed between separate species, such as polar bears and brown bears. This evidence led researchers to propose the reclassification of giraffes into four distinct species: the Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), the Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), the Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi), and the Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata).
The Northern Giraffe
The Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is characterized by its distinct coat pattern and fragmented distribution across Central and West Africa. Its patches are typically large and rectangular, appearing faint or chestnut-brown on a creamy or off-white background. A distinguishing feature is that the patterns do not extend down their lower legs, which remain noticeably white.
This species includes three recognized subspecies: the Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum), the Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis), and the West African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta). Their range spans parts of Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Niger, and Ethiopia. With fewer than 6,000 individuals remaining, the Northern giraffe is considered one of the most threatened large mammals. The Nubian and Kordofan giraffe subspecies are both listed as Critically Endangered, reflecting population declines exceeding 90% in recent decades, while the West African giraffe is classified as Vulnerable.
The Southern Giraffe
The Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is primarily found across the southern regions of Africa. Its coat features distinctive rounded or blotched spots set against a light tan background. Unlike some other species, the spotting pattern on the Southern giraffe extends down to its hooves. The patches can vary in color from dark to reddish-brown.
This species is comprised of two subspecies: the Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) and the South African giraffe (Giraffa giraffa giraffa). Their geographic range includes countries such as South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. While the giraffe as a whole is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the Southern giraffe as a species has shown a positive population trend. The Angolan giraffe subspecies has been classified as Least Concern due to population increases in recent years.
The Masai Giraffe
The Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) possesses a distinct coat pattern. Its patches are large, dark brown, and distinctly shaped like vine or oak leaves. These dark patches are separated by a network of creamy-brown or cream-colored lines. Unlike the Southern giraffe, its lower legs typically maintain the creamy-brown background color without extensive patterning.
The Masai giraffe has no officially recognized subspecies. Its primary habitat is located in East Africa, mainly within Kenya and Tanzania. The Masai giraffe population has experienced significant declines, estimated to be between 49% and 51% over the past three decades. The Masai giraffe is currently classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
The Reticulated Giraffe
The Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) is renowned for its distinct coat pattern, which gives it its common name. Its coat displays large, well-defined, reddish-brown polygonal or squared patches. These block-like patches are sharply delineated by a network of thin white lines, creating a net-like appearance. The prominent liver-red spots extend onto the lower legs, tail, and face, with noticeably less white between them compared to other giraffe species.
The Reticulated giraffe does not have any recognized subspecies. This species has a more confined geographic range, primarily inhabiting the Horn of Africa, specifically northern Kenya, parts of Somalia, and southern Ethiopia. The Reticulated giraffe population has faced substantial declines, with estimates indicating a reduction of approximately 56% to almost 80% over the last 30 years. The Reticulated giraffe is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.