For many years, biologists believed that giraffes were a single species, divided into nine subspecies. Scientists assumed that the differences between them were minor and that they had simply adapted to various regions within one species.
However, modern scientific research, especially genetic studies and detailed examinations of skull structure, has completely disproved this view. Studies revealed that the differences among giraffe groups are so significant that they should be regarded as distinct species.
Over the past ten years, samples collected from different parts of Africa — from the deserts of Niger to the savannas of South Sudan — have been carefully analyzed. These comprehensive studies led scientists to a new conclusion: giraffes actually belong to four separate species.
They are now officially classified as follows:
– Masai giraffe — mainly found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda;
– Northern giraffe — ranges from South Sudan to Ethiopia, with three subspecies;
– Reticulated giraffe — inhabits the savannas of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia;
– Southern giraffe — distributed in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and neighboring countries.
