Masai Giraffe. The giraffe (Giraffa) is an African artiodactyl mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The IUCN currently recognizes one species of giraffe with 9 subspecies. The giraffe population in Africa has fallen by nearly 40 percent. In a recent paper in Current Biology, Fennessy and colleagues conclude that there are four species of giraffe and that their numbers are declining in Africa. (Image Credit: International Hoofstock Awareness Association). The four distinct species are Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi), Northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), Reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata) and Southern giraffe (G. giraffa). All giraffe (Giraffa) were previously assigned to a single species (G. camelopardalis) and nine subspecies. Giraffes are a more diverse group than once thought, with scientists recently identifying four distinct species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had classified giraffes as vulnerable in the Red List in December 2016, when it noted that their population had dropped by over 40 per cent since 1985. “We ourselves [the GCF] have been doing a lot of genetics work across the continent and now have samples from almost every single major population of giraffe in Africa. They are found in a wide range of habitat and have the ability to move over the land, climb trees, and swim with ease. The first article challenges the four species claim, noting that there are one, two, four, at least six, or eight species, depending upon the reference consulted. The attached articles from the scientific journal, Current Biology should help to clarify the situation. Not only did the giraffe family branch out into 4 species, but the individual species don’t mate with each other unless they are the same exact species. What do we know about giraffe? #KnowYourPlanet Get the top stories from Planet Experts — right to your inbox every week. To learn more about giraffe, you can visit the Giraffe Conservation Foundation website. These nine types of giraffe can be found in Africa and they are classified according to their geographical range, coat patterns and coloration. The IUCN currently recognizes one species of giraffe with 9 subspecies. Yet despite this spectrum of creative camouflage, determining what makes one animal a separate species is more complicated than just how it looks. Current zoological classification states there is just one species of giraffe, but we believe this will change within the next 5 to 10 years. In recognition of their dramatic decline in wildlife, they have recently been listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Species as a species threatened with extinction. Hope I could help! Further, as per IUCN, large losses of the species have occurred in East Africa, where roughly 86,000 giraffes have died since 1985. Previously, giraffes have been classified as a single species with seven or nine subspecies. There are a counted 2645 Nubian, 8700 Reticulated and 659 Rothschild giraffes in Africa. Most scientists recognize nine different kinds of giraffe, but whether they merit classification as their own individual species or are merely subspecies is still up for debate. How Many Species of Giraffes Are There In The World? At the touch of a button, you can find out how many species of giraffes are there. All patterns are different. Now, says Dr. Fennessy, there are at least 30 different species concepts, many of which rely on genetic testing. There are approximately 8,500 individuals living in the wild. Not only did the giraffe family branch out into 4 species, but the individual species don’t mate with each other unless they are the same exact species. What are the social habits of giraffes? 1. Get the top stories from Planet Experts — right to your inbox every week. How Many Giraffes Are There In The World Giraffe Population In Africa. 15 years ago, there were 140,000 giraffes in Africa. Kenya is also home to 3 kinds (subspecies) of Giraffes out of 9 kinds which exist in the Wild. Answer. There are three distinct types of Giraffes. The West African giraffe, the Rothschild giraffe, the reticulated giraffe, masai giraffe, angolan giraffe and South African giraffe. 50 interesting and surprising facts about doves. The three types are. The answer to the question regarding how many types of giraffes are there in the world is letter B or nine (9). Since giraffes were first described in the … How Many Giraffes Are There In The World Giraffe Population In Africa. Nubian giraffes often have extra ossicones, like the Rothschilds giraffe, and there is speculation that they may be the same subspecies, or perhaps may both belong together as their own species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had classified giraffes as vulnerable in the Red List in December 2016, when it noted that their population had dropped by over 40 per cent since 1985. This is one example from East Africa, and more research is needed to see if the same effects are observed in other giraffe populations. However, this iconic species faces the biggest threats to its survival due to habitat loss, human population growth, poaching, disease, war and civil unrest. "As an example, northern giraffe number less than 4,750 individuals in the wild, and reticulated giraffe number less than 8,700 individuals — as distinct species… They’re the world’s tallest mammal, they’re mostly yellowish, and their tongues are long, blue and can grab leaves off of branches. 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