A recent analysis of the cranial morphology of giraffes confirmed what genetic studies had pointed out almost a decade ago: **the existence of four distinct species of giraffes**. This finding became crucial for the conservation of these [iconic creatures](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/las-jirafas-podrian-ser-incluidas-en-la-lista-de-especies-en-peligro-de-extincion/), especially considering that there are only **117,000 giraffes in the wild in Africa**, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), the leading organization in the study.
For years, giraffe taxonomy became a subject of debate, with theories suggesting **differences between their species based on appearance**. However, there was no systematic research on this matter until the GCF, in collaboration with institutions such as the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center, confirmed through genetic analysis that giraffes are divided into four species: Masai Giraffe, Northern Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, and Southern Giraffe.
This recent breakthrough was achieved through the **3D scanning of 515 giraffe skulls** collected from national parks, farms, taxidermists, and museums worldwide. In this way, the project managed to gather the largest known dataset for a medium to large-sized wildlife species.
Furthermore, geometric morphometric analyses in 3D confirmed not only **clear differences between males and females**, but also specific morphological characteristics among the four species, particularly in their ossicones (horn-like bony structures). Dr. Nikolaos Kargopoulos, the lead author of the study, highlighted that these findings have **significant implications for giraffe conservation**, as many of them face critically low populations in the wild.
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### **Un esfuerzo interdisciplinario para la conservación de las cuatro especies de jirafa**
The research, which involved the collaboration of universities such as the University of Cape Town and the Autonomous University of Madrid, among other European and African institutions, is an example of interdisciplinary science aimed at the **preservation of biodiversity**.
For this reason, professors Anusuya Chinsamy and Jesús Marugán-Lobón, key participants in the project, pointed out that this type of collaborative work not only enhances the understanding of giraffes but is also an **essential step to ensure their survival in Africa**.
It is worth noting that the results of this study emphasize **the urgency of taking specific conservation measures for each of the four species**, especially those in critical danger. According to the GCF, this advancement helps shed light on what they call **the “silent extinction”** of giraffes and highlights the need for science-based decisions to protect these gentle giants and preserve African biodiversity.
### **¿Qué características tienen las jirafas?**
Thanks to their enormous legs and long necks, so distinctive of the species, giraffes are considered [the tallest mammals in the world](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/por-que-cada-vez-son-mas-las-jirafas-sin-manchas/). In fact, **their legs are often taller than many humans, reaching almost two meters in length**. This allows them to run at over 55 kilometers per hour in short distances and over 15 kilometers per hour in longer distances.
Moreover, these animals **use their height to reach leaves and buds at the tops of trees**, which are often out of reach for many other animals, such as acacias. On the other hand, giraffes have incredibly long tongues that help them reach their food.
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