Three more species of giraffe than previously thought - can you spot the difference?

Aug 21, 2025
BBC News
Three more species of giraffe than previously thought - can you spot the difference?
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Three Species of Giraffe Discovered

Scientists have discovered

not two, but three

distinct species of giraffe-with-a-mask, commonly known as the giraffe. Two of the species were

previously thought to be subspecies

of the giraffe, but a new genetic analysis has revealed they are

indeed unique

in their own right. The findings of this study could have

serious implications

for the conservation of these magnificent animals, as

conservation efforts

may need to be

tailored to the specific species.

How do you tell the new species apart?

The

newest species

, referred to as

Southern Sudan Giraffe

,

has defined spots

below the knees and above the hooves,

no spotting

on the

legs

, and a

lighter coloration

on the

legs and neck

compared to the

rest of the body.

Northern giraffe

, on the other hand,

have no spotting on the legs

and have a

darker coloration

on the

legs and neck

compared to the

rest of the body.

The

third species

,

Arabian Giraffe

, is

already recognized

as a

separate species.

Original source: BBC News