WINDHOEK, Namibia, September 8, 2025 (ENS) – A fresh assessment of the tallest living land animal and largest ruminant on Earth has officially recognized four distinct species of giraffes, overturning previous classifications of giraffes as a single species. The new study reshapes how the diversity of the world’s giraffe species is understood and conserved. Historically, all giraffes, formally known as Giraffa spp., have been classified as a single species – Giraffa camelopardalis – with nine subspecies, but these animals have long been the subject of taxonomic uncertainty. Together, these multiple lines of evidence provide scientific support for elevating certain giraffe populations to full species status, reflecting their distinct evolutionary histories. Following an extensive review of published literature, original datasets, and expert consultation, the GOSG now recognizes four distinct giraffe species and their constituent subspecies:Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)○ G. c. peralta (West African giraffe)○ G. c. antiquorum (Kordofan giraffe)○ G. c. camelopardalis (Nubian giraffe) Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)○ G. t. tippelskirchi (Masai giraffe sensu stricto)○ G. t. thornicrofti (Luangwa/Thornicroft’s giraffe) Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa)○ G. g. giraffa (South African giraffe)○ G. g. angolensis (Angolan giraffe)Recognizing four giraffe 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.