Southern giraffe. They range from South Africa, Angola .

Southern giraffe angolensis) Recognising four species leads to a more nuanced understanding of the unique conservation threats and opportunities that these different taxa face across the diverse regions of Africa that they inhabit. giraffa) Angolan giraffe (G. Understanding and management of small, isolated populations in the key challenge for giraffe in the country. It is classified under the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the okapi. With only a combined 140,000 giraffe remaining in the wild, understanding these differences is crucial for effective conservation efforts. Find out all about the Giraffe, the challenges faced in modern day, and how the DSWT Sheldrick are helping to conserve this iconic creature. Masai Giraffe The Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) is the largest of all Oct 29, 2023 · The southern giraffe mainly eats the leaves and shoots of trees. Some scientists think it should be its own species. This guide explores the Southern Giraffe’s characteristics, habitat, diet, and Feb 23, 2024 · Giraffe Species Index Giraffe Species Genetic research led to a new taxonomic classification in 2016 when the formerly single species of giraffes changed to four species, five subspecies and two ecotypes. They are one of the four distinct species of giraffes, differentiated Oct 28, 2025 · Giraffe, any of four species of long-necked cud-chewing hoofed mammals of Africa, the tallest of all land animals. Southern giraffe Subspecies: Angolan giraffe, South African giraffe The Southern giraffe (G. giraffa ~20,675 remaining) and the Angolan giraffe (G. It is brighter in colour with star or diamond-shaped markings in various shades of brown, surrounded by a light tan colour. The Southern giraffe makes up the largest share of the population, while the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes are critically endangered. With a 6 to 7 feet (1. ” Subspecies differ only in their blotch pattern, color and distribution; all other characteristics are the same. The Southern giraffe has two subspecies : the South African giraffe and the Angolan giraffe. Physical Characteristics Weigh up to 2,200 pounds, and have a unique gait due to their weight and higher center of gravity. thornicrofti) should be recognised as a distinct subspecies of the Masai giraffe. This guide explores the Southern Giraffe’s characteristics, habitat, diet, and fascinating history for an engaging and The southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is a type of giraffe that lives in Southern Africa. They possess a unique chewing mechanism, characterized by slow and careful chewing to avoid the large thorns of acacia trees, which form a significant part of their diet. [2] The IUCN recognises four giraffe species, with several recognised subspecies. But did you know that there are more than one giraffe species? The exact number of giraffe species is up for debate; the consensus is that there are four distinct species. angolensis ~ 20,192 remaining). The Southern giraffe’s daily activities primarily revolve around feeding, with individuals spending much of their time browsing vegetation. g. Let’s embark on a journey to learn more about these Southern Giraffe overview characteristics geography timeline information & media contact GCF's research has revealed that there are four distinct species of giraffe in Africa: Masai, northern, reticulated, and southern. Known for their towering necks and distinctive spotted patterns, these mammals play a crucial role in their ecosystems. giraffa) has small, loosely packed rectangular and round blotches with bumpy edges Introduction Africa’s Giraffe – A Conservation Guide provides essential, up-to-date background information on one of the world’s most iconic animals: the giraffe. Most recently, researchers proposed The range of South African giraffe is dotted throughout south-eastern Angola, north-eastern Namibia, northern Botswana, south-western Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, and throughout South Africa. Oct 14, 2025 · Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa): The Tallest Mammal in Africa Introduction The Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is one of the tallest and most majestic creatures found in the African savannas. It is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant on Earth. The giraffe’s height is a critical adaptation for survival. Despite their charismatic status, we know surprisingly little about their patterns of movement and The most at-risk is the northern giraffe, with fewer than 6,000 individuals left in the wild, while the reticulated giraffe, mostly found in northern Kenya, is estimated at around 16,000 -- though ASM Mammal Diversity DatabaseThe map below provides a general overview. The IUCN recognises four giraffe species, with severa The southern giraffe mainly eats leaves, shoots of trees, flowers, acacia bark, pods, and seeds. Their unique anatomy and fascinating ecology make them striking figures on Africa’s open landscapes. Most species inhabit only specific regions within countries. Both subspecies, the Angolan and South African giraffe, historically occurred in geographically distinct areas. Aug 21, 2025 · Giraffes, long considered a single species, are now recognized as four genetically distinct species in a decision by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Southern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a majestic symbol of the African savanna, captivating visitors to places like Kruger National Park. Oct 25, 2025 · Giraffe populations once numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but habitat loss, poaching, and conflict have driven steep declines. In this article, we will take a look at the The Southern Giraffe, scientific name Giraffa giraffa, known double-horned giraffe, is a proposed species of giraffe native to South Africa The Angolan Giraffe, also known as the Namibian Giraffe, is a subspecies of Southern Giraffe found in Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana. The southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), also known as two-horned giraffe, [1] is a species of giraffe native to Southern Africa. Jul 10, 2024 · This article from AnimalWised delves into the intriguing world of giraffe species, unraveling the questions of how many exist, as well as their main characteristics and what sets them apart. Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa): The Towering Marvel of the African Savanna The Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is a majestic symbol of the African savanna, known for its long neck, gentle demeanor, and striking spotted coat. These four species are the Northern giraffe, Southern giraffe, Masai giraffe, and Reticulated giraffe. And the fourth species, the northern giraffe, retains the original name for all Aug 21, 2025 · Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) South African giraffe (G. This giraffe is found in South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. Southern giraffes have round or blotchy spots. Known for its towering height and distinctive coat, this iconic ungulate is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. Some spots have star-like shapes on a light tan 3 days ago · Species are unevenly distributed — some, like the Southern giraffe, remain stable, while others, like the Nubian and Kordofan, are critically endangered. 15 m) long neck and legs other same length, giraffes are the tallest living land animals. Aug 22, 2025 · The reticulated giraffe, Giraffa reticulata, has a range extending farther north, in Kenya and southern Ethiopia. These species are geographically isolated and have unique characteristics. Sep 15, 2022 · The Southern giraffe is the most common giraffe species, they have some interesting features that help them stand out, here we look into them. Northern Giraffe: Giraffa camelopardalis Masai Giraffe: Giraffa tippelskirchi Reticulated Giraffe: Giraffa reticulata Southern Giraffe: Giraffa giraffa Giraffe are the world’s tallest mammals. It highlights conservation and management challenges faced by all stakeholders across the continent, from local communities to governments and their agencies, and from the non-governmental conservation community to the private Botswana is home to two subspecies of giraffe, the Angolan and South African giraffe. These fascinating creatures embody the wonders of evolution and serve as an essential part of their ecosystem. Their range includes South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Their lower legs are randomly speckled with The Southern giraffe's distribution: southeastern Zimbabwe , South Africa to southern Mozambique . The Southern Giraffe (also known as the 2 horned giraffe) is the most numerous, with a population of around 44,000 (out of the remaining 68,000 giraffes that live in the wild). Southern Giraffe: Africa’s Towering Icon The Southern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a majestic symbol of the African savanna, captivating visitors to places like Kruger National Park. The study also suggests that the Luangwa giraffe (G. Often seen browsing beneath the open skies of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, this giraffe species stands as a symbol of resilience in a changing world. Find out how they feed, drink, mate, fight, and are threatened by habitat loss. Feb 23, 2024 · Learn about the southern giraffe, a subspecies of the giraffe with dark patches and horns, that lives in Africa. The subpecies are geographically isolated, offering a unique opportunity to study speciation and conservation strategies. Even though its back legs look shorter, both front and back The southern giraffe, also known as two-horned giraffe, is a species of giraffe native to Southern Africa. Sep 14, 2022 · The giraffe is one of the most well-known and recognized African animals. South Africa is a stronghold for giraffe on the continent, with the majority of giraffe occurring in Kruger National Park and on private game reserves. This giraffe rarely feeds on grass. Depending on their availability, they also dine on flowers, acacia bark, pods, and seeds. Habitat loss, poaching, and climate change are major threats to giraffe survival. The giraffe is a large African hoofed mammal belonging to the genus Giraffa. Discover its habitat, behavior, diet, and ecological role in this in-depth profile. The Masai giraffe primarily feeds on the leaves of the acacia tree, twigs, and seasonal fruits. They range from South Africa, Angola The southern giraffe is widely distributed throughout Southern Africa and the most populous giraffe species. 8 - 2. Large, uneven, light-colored patches are scattered across their bodies, leaving their lower legs as pristine white canvases. The new species are the northern giraffe, the southern giraffe, the reticulated giraffe and the Masai giraffe. However, the IUCN, a big group that studies animals, currently says there is only one species of giraffe with nine different kinds (called subspecies). Two subspecies of the Southern giraffe occur across Southern Africa and, together, they make up over 40% of the continent’s total giraffe numbers, estimated at almost 50,000 individuals. Giraffes are now classified into four distinct species in Africa. t. Traditionally, giraffes have been thought of as one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies. Graceful, towering, and quietly charismatic, the Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is one of Africa’s most beloved giants. Previous re-introductions of the South African and Angolan giraffe to overlapping areas have most likely resulted in hybrid populations Aug 8, 2022 · Southern Giraffe: Two subspecies of the Southern giraffe occur across Southern Africa The South African giraffe is a common sight in South Africa, southern Botswana and Zimbabwe and is the only giraffe found in South Africa. Learn about the southern giraffe, one of the world's tallest land animals, with long necks and big blotches. This species is . Reticulated giraffes feed on seed pods, leaves, and fruits of their favorite trees, which include acacia, wild apricot, and mimosa. [3][4][5] Southern giraffes have rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves. They can browse foliage almost 6 meters (20 feet) from the ground. Jun 21, 2025 · The 2025 State of Giraffe report says that the animal is still under threat of extinction, despite some populations recovering. Explore the Southern Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), the tallest land mammal of southern Africa. Description: Giraffes are long-necked browsing animals that taxonomists place in a separate family, Giraffidae, from other artiodactylids: camels, deer and bovines. Hover over the highlighted regions to see the country name. Researchers previously thought all giraffes belonged to a single species. Protecting giraffe habitats also protects entire ecosystems that countless animals and people rely on. In Southern Africa, however, all giraffe are “southern giraffe. Find out how it adapts to its environment, what it eats, how it reproduces and what dangers it faces. Their long necks, supported by large muscles, and legs allow them to access food sources that are out of reach for other animals. May 28, 2021 · The southern giraffe has two subspecies: the South African giraffe (G. 68h uhnhhy bqztawl f8qbqbr kcng lfc iyvg8v0 hvfe amt j0y