Giraffes have long been admired for their beauty and nobility. However, scientists have recently discovered a surprising fact about these animals: they may not be just one species.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen found evidence to suggest that there may actually be four different species of giraffe across Africa. This completely changes our understanding of giraffes. Recognizing four species of giraffe would mean developing separate plans to protect each.
Four species of giraffe
Previously, all giraffes were recognized as one species – Giraffa camelopardalis. The research provided strong genetic evidence that all giraffes are distinct enough to be classified as separate species.
Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
All northern giraffes have lighter spots. They are divided into three subspecies, each found in different geographical locations:
- Nubian Giraffe: Found in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
- West African Giraffe: Found in Niger.
- Kordofan Giraffe: Inhabits Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad and possibly Sudan.
Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata)
Also called the Somali giraffe, this species is known for its unique brown spots with pure white net-like borders. They live in northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and Somalia.
Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)
The Masai is the largest and darkest color of all, with star-shaped patches that reach all the way to their hooves. You will find them in central and southern Kenya and throughout Tanzania.
Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa)
Southern giraffes have round or mottled spots, which are more irregular and less defined than the spots of the reticulated giraffe. They are further classified into two subspecies:
- South African Giraffe: Lives in northern South Africa, southern Botswana, southern Zimbabwe and southwestern Mozambique.
- Angolan Giraffe: Found in northern Namibia, southern Botswana, southwestern Zambia and western Zimbabwe.
All groups are related and some are intermingled, such as the reticulated giraffe which has genes from both northern and southern giraffe ancestors. The researchers were surprised by this connection.
“When we started getting results from our analyzes of gene flow between different giraffe lineages, we had to double-check,” recalls Laura D. Bertola, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biology and one of the study’s authors.
Redefining giraffe species
This widespread mixing between giraffe groups throws a wrench into how we define a species. Traditionally, scientists believed that extensive gene sharing only occurred within a single species. But the story of giraffes overturns that idea.
It suggests that the amount of genetic difference may not be as clear a way to identify new species as we once thought. “Our findings touch on a very delicate issue in biology, which is that we don’t have a universally accepted concept of species.” said Rasmus Heller, one of the senior authors.
Rather than trying to pinpoint the exact number of giraffe species, the study aims to highlight the fluidity of gene flow between giraffes, which remains possible under the right conditions.
Conservation of giraffe species
This discovery is a game changer for giraffe species conservation. Traditionally, we have focused on the complete protection of different species. But this study highlights the need to consider genetic variation within a species as well. Each giraffe lineage, regardless of specific taxonomy, boasts a unique genetic makeup worthy of protection.
“Giraffes are such endlessly fascinating animals, and this study confirms how much genetic variation exists even at small geographic scales,” noted study co-author Yoshan Moodley from the University of Venda in South Africa.
The findings from the University of Copenhagen are part of a wider effort within the African Wildlife Genomics research framework, associated with the African BioGenome Project.
The study is published in the journal Current Biology.
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