Scientists have decided this debate on giraffes (with bad news)

Biodiversity – This is the end of a decade of scientific debates! Similarly, The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) confirmed. Similarly, this Thursday, August 21, that there is not a unique species of giraffe but four. Meanwhile, By establishing a new classification of the largest terrestrial mammal -in terms of height -the organization stresses scientists have decided this debate that one. In addition, of the new identified groups is unfortunately in danger of extinction.

Initially assimilated to a cervid. the giraffe won a genre that is specific to it at the end of the 18th century: Giraffa Giraffa, recalls the group of specialists from the giraffe and the Okapi of the IUCN in its report. This specifies the various classifications assigned since this exclusively African animal, using elements of morphology, genetics and environment.

Historically considered as a single species including nine subspecies. the giraffe is therefore made up of four species according to the IUCN group. With the northern giraffe or «You North» (Giraffa Camelopardis), the reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata), the giraffe Masai (G. Tippelkirschi) and the southern giraffe (G. Giraffa).

The northern giraffe. the most threatened – Scientists have decided this debate

This distinction allows a “More nuanced understanding of conservation threats and opportunities concerning these scientists have decided this debate different species in the various regions they live in Africa”according to a press release. And one of the authors of the study. Michael Butler Brown, questioned by The worldabounds: “CEtte Analysis will therefore help orient the IUCN red list assessments and shape conservation policies and potential funding. »»

The researcher also explains that the northern giraffe is in danger of extinction. Saying that this is “One of the most threatened mammals in Africa”. He adds that this species “Only have some 7,000 individuals, against around 24,000 in 1975.” These giraffes are threatened by political instability and poaching, points this study.

IUCN has classified the giraffe in the category since 2016 since 2016 ” vulnerable “ On its red list of endangered species. While she was still only “Minor concern” in its previous assessment dating back to 2010.

At the continent. the number of scientists have decided this debate giraffes decreased by some 40 % between 1985 and 2015, to reach around 98,000 individuals, according to the IUCN, which however identified distinct regional dynamics. If remarkable increases have been recorded in southern Africa. serious regressions were recorded in East and central Africa, underlined the IUCN in 2019.

The new classification also retains seven of the nine initial subspecies, distributed between three species. Like the Nubian giraffe which depends on Giraffa Camelopardis, or the Angolan which depends on Giraffa Giraffa.