IUCN Officially Recognizes Four Distinct Giraffe Species in Africa

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially recognized four distinct species of giraffes—Northern, Reticulated, Masai, and Southern—based on extensive genetic, anatomical, and ecological research. This reclassification overturns the previous understanding that all giraffes belonged to a single species with nine subspecies and acknowledges significant genetic differences and limited interbreeding among the groups. The new classification is crucial for conservation, as each species faces unique threats such as poaching, political instability, and habitat loss, which require tailored strategies. Researchers highlighted differences in skull structure and ossicone formation, emphasizing the importance of genetic data in modern taxonomy. Conservationists and scientists, including Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, have welcomed the change as long overdue and vital for clearer conservation priorities. The IUCN plans to reassess the conservation status of each giraffe species separately to better address their specific vulnerabilities and protect them effectively.