Neck and Neck

Up to six giraffe species may exist -- and some are endangered, says study

Posted at 1:36 PM on 26 Dec 2007

The long-held assumption that the giraffe is a single species may be incorrect, says a new study in the journal BMC Biology. Researchers may have identified at least six separate species. Unfortunately, that means that "some of these giraffe populations number only a few hundred individuals and need immediate protection," says lead author David Brown. "Lumping all giraffes into one species obscures the reality that some kinds of giraffe are on the very brink."

sources: Reuters, BBC News

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	Read more about: endangered species \| news \| wildlife \| all of these topics Tools: print \| email \| write to the editor \| subscribe \| RSS Share: digg \| hugg \| stumbleupon \| reddit \| newsvine \| fark \| facebook Bookmark: del.icio.us \| google \| yahoo Neck and Neck Up to six giraffe species may exist -- and some are endangered, says study Posted at 1:36 PM on 26 Dec 2007 The long-held assumption that the giraffe is a single species may be incorrect, says a new study in the journal BMC Biology. Researchers may have identified at least six separate species. Unfortunately, that means that "some of these giraffe populations number only a few hundred individuals and need immediate protection," says lead author David Brown. "Lumping all giraffes into one species obscures the reality that some kinds of giraffe are on the very brink." sources: Reuters, BBC News ADVERTISING POLICY < Previous \| Next > Comments: There are no comments. Be the first to post! You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have a Gristmill account, log in below. If you don't have a Gristmill account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five. Username: Password: Forgot your password? Enter your username and click: The comments of Grist users reflect the opinions of those individuals only, and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Grist, its staff, its board members, their psychotherapists, or their aestheticians. Got it?	Also in Grist America's Top Sheaf Should you buy recycled or certified paper? Umbra offers page advice. Spokes People Tips on how to bike to work. Naked Truth Lush employees go bare to protest excess packaging. Digesting Slow Food Nation The scoop from the event, and a recipe for slow-cooked pasta sauce. The Week's Most Popular Viewed Commented Emailed Ask Umbra on Method cleansers How to start composting Ask Umbra on toxins in your body A look at the environmental record of Joe Biden, Barack Obama's running mate Making a stink about green(ish) deodorants Alaskan greens say McCain's VP pick has anti-environmental record The eco-rundown on Alaska guv Sarah Palin, John McCain's veep pick Slow foodies unveil declaration of sustainability A choice of primary energies: renewable electrons win the gold T. Boone Pickens embraces progressive policies but not progressive politicians The eco-rundown on Alaska guv Sarah Palin, John McCain's veep pick Enviros generally pleased with Biden's record on environmental issues Ask Umbra on buying big cars How to start composting With berries and bread, you can make a delectable summer pudding From the Archives The Year of the Renewable. China releases energy white paper, plans to boost renewables R&D. Norway to Go. Norway will ban mercury. As States Would Have It. Multiple states will sue over EPA decision to not let California regulate vehicle emissions. News Archives