There are four species of giraffes, not just one

STATES CHRONICLE – A new study changes the scientists’ opinion that giraffes fell under one species. According to this new research, we can find four different species of them. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation,  who was part the study, said that they want to discover more about this species, that are genetically isolated. At the moment, giraffes are classified under the Giraffa camelopardalis species.

However, researchers think there should be put under four species: northern giraffe, southern giraffe, reticulated giraffe and Masai giraffe. After doing the genetic analysis, they  discovered that these four groups are not connected. They should be recognized as different species. It seems there were not many people interested in making research on giraffes.  The problem is that giraffes are endangered, as their number declined in the last years.

There are 100 000 giraffes in the world. If they are separated in four different species,  we will have fewer animals for every group. This means that they are endangered. People should find ways to increase their number. Dr. Julian Fennesy, from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, said that the conservation status of these groups can be better defined. They also hope that, in the future, these species will be included in the International for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

Researchers discovered these four species by mistake. They wanted to have more information about giraffes. They also tried to find what they can do if they want to populate areas with these animals. After the genetic analysis, they found there are four species of giraffes. The question is: are they able to reproduce? Researchers do not know if a giraffe from one species can reproduce with one from another species.

There could be some benefits if there are four different species. Scientists said that conservation plans focus more on species that on a large animal group. It should be easier for them to study these animals. They try  to find ways to protect them.

The giraffe’s numbers reduced from 150 000 to 100 000.  From those 100 000, fewer than 5 000 are Northen giraffes. They are one of the most unusual and popular animals on our planet. However, people were not aware they could be endangered. This new study will lead to more efforts in saving them. We could also understand what can be improved for these animals.

Image source: Pixabay