‘Vital' new study changes what we know about giraffes
The review, conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), used genetic data, skull structure, bone shape, and geographical features to identify the separate species.
Historically, giraffes were classified as a single species with nine subspecies, but uncertainty over their taxonomy has long existed.
Scientists describe this reclassification as vital for better assessing their conservation status and targeting action to protect them, as giraffes are currently vulnerable to extinction.
The four officially recognised species are the Northern giraffe, Reticulated giraffe, Masai giraffe, and Southern giraffe, each with several recognised subspecies.
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BBC News
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Stonehenge cow tooth helps scientists understand mystery of monument
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