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https://theconversation.com/how-many-giraffe-species-are-there-understanding-this-is-key-to-their-protection-229393>
"Giraffes, with their distinctive body shape and variations in coat patterns,
have long been an example in evolutionary biology teachings. They are a
textbook example of how species adapt to their surroundings and survive under
harsh conditions. Despite this, scientists and conservationists still grapple
with understanding the evolutionary history of giraffes.
Giraffes occur throughout most of the savannah landscapes in sub-Saharan
Africa. Fewer than 70,000 are left; a sharp decline from the estimated 150,000
in the 1980s. This makes it even more relevant to understand their diversity,
as increased conservation efforts are needed to safeguard this diversity for
the future.
However, scientists still struggle with how different populations are related
to each other, and the number of species they represent. The International
Union for Conservation of Nature currently recognises giraffes as a single
species. Other studies suggest the existence of two, three, four or even six
species.
The debate surrounding giraffe taxonomy, which deals with the classification of
species, may sound like a purely scientific exercise. But taxonomy often guides
conservation efforts. Treating all giraffe populations as a single species may
obscure unique genetic lineages. To conserve biodiversity, it is necessary to
accurately identify and understand the distribution of diversity, between and
within species."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
