Not All Giraffes Are The Same: There Are Four Distinct Species

NEW DELHI – Giraffes, the world’s tallest animals, are no longer considered a single species. A new global review has confirmed that there are actually four distinct species, reshaping how scientists and conservationists understand and protect them.

The finding, announced August 21 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group, overturns the long-held belief that giraffes were just one species with nine subspecies. Instead, decades of confusion have been resolved with a clearer picture of giraffe diversity.

The review was carried out by a special task force set up in 2024 to examine the latest genetic, physical, and geographical data. The conclusion: differences among giraffe populations run deep enough that they should be considered separate species with their own evolutionary histories.

“Recognizing four species is crucial for conservation,” the task force noted. “It allows for more accurate Red List assessments and helps shape strategies tailored to each species’ needs.”

Scientists analyzed genetic data from numerous studies, making giraffes one of the best-researched large mammals in Africa. DNA from both nuclear and mitochondrial sources revealed major differences between populations. Physical traits, such as skull structure and bone shape, added further evidence, while geographic barriers like rivers and rift valleys pointed to long-standing separation.

Together, this body of work confirmed that what was once thought to be minor variation is in fact evidence of distinct species.

For conservationists, the shift is more than academic. With giraffe numbers declining in parts of Africa, knowing which species are most at risk can determine how resources are allocated and how cross-border conservation is managed