The giraffe is one of Africa’s most recognizable megafauna, standing taller than any other terrestrial animal. Despite its familiarity, the scientific classification (taxonomy) of the giraffe has been debated for many decades. For much of the 20th century, scientists classified all giraffes as a single species, Giraffa camelopardalis. This single-species classification obscured the true diversity of populations across the African continent.
Recent scientific advancements have introduced a more complex and accurate view of giraffe relationships. This modern understanding reveals that groups previously thought to be minor variations are distinct evolutionary units. Resolving the historical confusion surrounding giraffe classification is now a central focus for researchers and conservationists.
The Recent Taxonomic Shift
The historical view classified the entire population under a single species, Giraffa camelopardalis, divided into up to nine subspecies. This traditional model relied largely on observable differences in coat patterns and geographic distribution.
This perception changed fundamentally following a landmark genetic analysis published in 2016. Researchers used DNA samples from populations across Africa to examine their evolutionary relationships. The results provided overwhelming evidence of significant genetic differentiation between several giraffe groups.
The genetic markers revealed that some groups were as distinct as brown bears are from polar bears. This level of genetic separation indicated a lack of reproductive exchange in the wild, meeting the biological definition of separate species.
The widely accepted consensus among scientists is now that there are four distinct species of giraffe. This reclassification is supported by genomic analyses and helps reflect the evolutionary history and unique conservation needs of these separate populations.
The Four Recognized Giraffe Species
The current scientific classification recognizes four separate species, each occupying a distinct geographic range in Africa. These species are further divided into multiple subspecies. The total number of wild giraffes across all four species is estimated to be approximately 140,000 individuals.
Northern Giraffe
The Northern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the most geographically fragmented of the four species. Its range is scattered in isolated pockets extending from West Africa to East Africa. This species has three recognized subspecies, including the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes.
A distinguishing characteristic is the complete absence of spots on their lower legs. The Northern Giraffe has the smallest total population, estimated at just over 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild. This low number highlights the extreme threat faced by this species.
Southern Giraffe
The Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is the most numerous of the four species. These giraffes are found across the southern region of the continent, including South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The species contains two subspecies: the Angolan giraffe and the South African giraffe.
Their coat features large, uneven, and irregularly notched light brown patches surrounded by a pale cream-colored background. Their overall population is robust compared to the other species, estimated at approximately 68,800 individuals.
Masai Giraffe
The Masai Giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) inhabits parts of central and southern Kenya and extends throughout Tanzania. It is the second most populous species, with an estimated population of around 43,900 individuals.
Their spots are dark, jagged, and appear star-shaped or vine-leaf-like, extending to the lower leg. The species is divided into two subspecies, including the Luangwa or Thornicroft’s giraffe, which is restricted to a small region in Zambia. Although once the most populous, its numbers have seen a significant recent decline.
Reticulated Giraffe
The Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) is found in northern Kenya and small parts of Ethiopia and Somalia. It has a striking and visually defined coat pattern, with an estimated population of about 20,900 individuals.
Their coat displays large, sharply defined, liver-colored patches separated by a network of bright white lines. These lines give the giraffe a distinctive, neatly “reticulated” appearance, which is the source of its common name.
Conservation Status and Species Management
Recognizing four distinct species has significant implications for conservation efforts. Historically, assessing all giraffes as a single species masked the severe decline of certain individual groups.
For example, the overall population appeared stable enough to be listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. However, the new classification highlights that some recognized species, such as the Northern Giraffe, face threats warranting greater concern. Subspecies of the Northern Giraffe, including the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes, have already been separately listed as Critically Endangered.
Splitting the giraffe into four species ensures that conservation resources can be targeted more effectively. This allows for independent assessments of population health, distinct threats, and specific management strategies for each group. Accurate classification is a fundamental tool for securing the future of all giraffe species.