Scientists Spot 6 Giraffe Species

And some are in trouble
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 24, 2007 3:40 AM CST
Scientists Spot 6 Giraffe Species
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.   (Flickr)

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. (More giraffes stories.)

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