How Many Living Species of Giraffe Are Left?

Giraffes are the tallest mammals in the world.

The giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world and the largest ruminant. Although there is currently only one species recognized, there are many subspecies. Some of these may actually be separate species.

Features

Giraffes live in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa where they browse in treetops at heights inaccessible to other large mammals. A male giraffe may stand over 18 feet tall from its hooves to the top of its head. They are known for their angular spots, long necks and long legs.

Types

Experts divide giraffes into several subspecies. They are distinguished by the color, shape and size of the spots and their range. Some of these include the Somali, Kordoffan, Maasai, Nubian, Rothschild, South African, Angolan, Thornicroft and West African. Although these groups encounter each other in the wild, they are not thought to interbreed and may actually represent separate species.

Significance

As UCLA geneticist David Brown pointed out to the BBC, "Lumping all giraffes into one species obscures the reality that some kinds of giraffe are on the brink." Genetic studies may eventually classify some types of giraffe as separate species. That would enable actions to be taken to protect them from extinction.

References

• Encyclopedia.com: Giraffe
• African Wildlife Foundation: Giraffe
• BBC News: Not One But Six Giraffe Species