Northern Giraffes

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

A recent genealogical study of the largest captive herd in India at the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata has confirmed that the individuals in this facility, at least, are most likely “critically endangered” Nubian giraffes ( Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) or the endangered Rothschild giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi).

• The Nubian giraffes are believed to be among three sub-species of the northern giraffe, according to a whole genome sequencing study conducted in 2021. 
• A genetic distance analysis of the giraffes in Alipore showed that they were most closely related to Nubian and Rothschild giraffes.
• “Stud-books” maintained in zoos across India had little to no information on where the giraffes brought to India from Africa had been captured, so the only way to identify the species would be through a mitochondrial gene study.
• As giraffes are an exotic species that was imported into India, protocols to manage the populations were different when compared to animals that are native to the country.

Nubian Giraffes

• Nubian giraffes (or Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) are believed to be among three sub-species of the northern giraffe.
• It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan.
• It is currently extinct in the wild of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and Eritrea.
• The Nubian giraffe used to be widespread in northeast Africa.
• IUCN status: ‘critically endangered’.

Rothschild Giraffe

• Rothschild giraffe (or Giraffa camelopardalis Rothschild) is a subspecies of the Northern giraffe.
• The Rothschild’s giraffe is easily distinguishable from other subspecies. The most obvious sign is in the colouring of the coat or pelt.
• They live in savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands of Uganda and Kenya.
• IUCN status: ‘endangered’