A conservation assessment of Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa
Taxonomic notes: Currently, nine subspecies classifications have been proposed for Giraffe (Ansell 1972; Dagg & Foster 1982; Kingdon 1997; East 1999; Grubb 2005; Ciofolo & Pendu 2013). There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the geographic and taxonomic limits of all described subspecies (Fennessy et al. 2013). Furthermore, recent genetic work suggests that several subspecies may even […]
Seasonal ungulate distribution and densities on Manyara ranch 2012-13
The northern Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem in Tanzania is among the richest areas in the world for large mammal diversity and abundance, and Manyara Ranch provides crucial wildlife habitat for migratory and resident species between the Tarangire River and Lake Natron. This area is essential to the survival of migratory wildlife populations in the area, and sustains […]
Standing Tall for Giraffes – Research and Conservation of an Overlooked African Icon
Despite being iconically African, the giraffe remains largely understudied in the wild—unlike most of the continent’s other large megafauna. In part, this is because giraffes were not heavily hunted until recently: they don’t produce tusks or horns that are coveted as trophies or medicine and they are not an aggressive species. Sadly, the Giraffe Conservation […]
A study on the social organisation of the Southern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa)
In this study, I have investigated the social structure of a population of the Southern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) residing in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa. To do so, association data was collected using photo-identification to recognise individual giraffes. Within the study period between October 27th 2012 and January 25th 2013, 257 groups of giraffes […]
Population, distribution, and behaviour of giraffe in the Arusha National Park, Tanzania
In a year’s study of the giraffe population of the Arusha National Park we identified 462 individuals. The cumulative first sightings of individuals were fitted to a logistic model that gave an estimated total population of 471. Immatures accounted for only 24% of the population. Twenty-two calves were born during the period of study. The […]
The past distribution of giraffe in Zululand and its implications for reserve management
The evidence for the past distribution of giraffe in Zululand is critically re-examined. On the basis of this, it is concluded that the probability of giraffe having ever occurred in Zululand prior to their introduction is extremely small. As a consequence of this, and according to the definition of an indigenous species favoured by us, […]
Vegetation factors influencing density and distribution of wild large herbivores in a southern African savannah
Understanding factors influencing large herbivore densities and distribution in terrestrial ecosystems is a fundamental goal of ecology. This study examined environmental factors influencing the density and distribution of wild large herbivores in Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. Vegetation and surface water were predicted to have a stronger influence than anthropogenic-related disturbances (livestock grazing, fires, settlements and […]
The distribution and population status of the elusive okapi, Okapia johnstoni
The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is one of only two remaining giraffid species. This elusive animal is endemic to the central and north-eastern rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is poorly known. As part of a multipartner, rangewide okapi conservation project, in 2013, the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (IUCN SSC […]
Has the final countdown to wildlife extinction in Northern Central African Republic begun?
The wildlife populations of Northern Central African Republic experienced precipitous declines during the 1970s and 1980s. While anecdotes coming out of the region indicate that the wildlife populations remain under serious threat, little is known about their status. An aerial sample count was carried out in the Northern Central African Republic at the end of […]
A Preliminary Study of Desert Dwelling Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis Angolensis) Ecology, Northwestern Namibia
Historically, giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis Linnaeus 1758) were widely distributed throughout Mrica, from the northern to the southern savannah regions (Skinner & Smithers 1990;East 1998). ,Today their distribution is both patchy and discontinuous, from west Mrica to south Africa. Similar to other megafauna throughout Mrica (e.g. elephant (Loxodonta africana), rhino (Diceros bicornis) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer), […]