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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Scientists Spot 6 Giraffe Species

And some are in trouble

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(Newser) – Giraffes had long been thought to be one species with several subspecies, but researchers now believe they have identified six distinct species—some of which are on the brink of extinction, reports the BBC. Only 160 Nigerian giraffes remain. But there's hope the researchers' find will spur greater conservation efforts.

The different kinds of giraffes have wide, overlapping ranges and breed with each other in zoos. Theories vary as to why they don't interbreed in the wild. "The female Maasai giraffe may be looking at the male reticulated giraffe and thinking, 'I don't look like you; I don't want to mate with you,'" a researcher explained.

Giraffe numbers have been in decline for some time due to poaching, war, and loss of habitat. Scientists have discovered that giraffes are actually six different species, and some of those species are in great danger of imminent extinction.
Giraffe numbers have been in decline for some time due to poaching, war, and loss of habitat. Scientists have discovered that giraffes are actually six different species, and some of those species are...   (Flickr)
KENYA. 1972. A herd of giraffes gather around a salt lick in Nairobi Park. (NYC25551)
KENYA. 1972. A herd of giraffes gather around a salt lick in Nairobi Park. (NYC25551)   (Magnum Photos)
In this photo released by the Wildlife Conservation Society, a female giraffe calf, left, joins her mother for a meal of spring foliage. Genetic researchers have discovered that giraffes, originally thought to be a single species, are actually at least six different species. (AP Photo/Wildlife Conservation Society, Julie Larsen Maher)
In this photo released by the Wildlife Conservation Society, a female giraffe calf, left, joins her mother for a meal of spring foliage. Genetic researchers have discovered that giraffes, originally thought...   (Associated Press)
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