Overview

• Four species are now recognized: Northern, Reticulated, Masai and Southern, with several subspecies assigned under some of them.
• The revision follows more than a decade of research, including genetic sampling from over 2,000 giraffes across Africa and studies of skull morphology.
• Population estimates from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation show wide disparities, with the Northern giraffe the most threatened at about 7,000 individuals.
• Separate IUCN Red List evaluations will proceed for each species, opening the door to tailored protections and potential policy changes under national and international frameworks.
• Threat profiles differ by region, including poaching and instability affecting Northern giraffes and habitat loss pressuring Masai giraffes, underscoring the need for cross-border management.