The southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa) is widely distributed throughout Southern Africa and with an estimated 49,850 individuals, accounts for almost half of the continent’s total giraffe population. The two subspecies Angolan (G. g. angolensis) and South African giraffe (G. g. giraffa) occur in geographically distinct areas; however, there is evidence of hybridization due to local, regional and extralimital (outside their natural range) translocations.
The southern giraffe is characterized by large, irregularly shaped, and unevenly notched patches in various shades of brown, surrounded by light tan color. Coloration can vary from darker to very light, particularly in Angolan giraffe in the arid regions of northwest Namibia, where they can appear very pale and almost colorless. The lower legs are randomly speckled with uneven spots.
Angolan giraffe
Despite their name, the Angolan giraffe (G. g. angolensis) was locally extinct in Angola until recent successful reintroductions from Namibia. Their range also spans central Botswana and most of Namibia. Translocations have established additional populations outside their natural range in Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Nigeria and South Africa. The estimated population of 5,000 individuals 35 years ago has now quadrupled to over 20,000, prompting the IUCN Red List in 2018 to classify the Angolan giraffe as Least Concern.
South African giraffe
The South African giraffe’s (G. g. giraffa) range encompasses southeastern Angola, eastern and northern Botswana, southern Malawi, southern Mozambique, northeastern Namibia, large parts of South Africa, southwestern Zambia, and throughout Zimbabwe.
The population is currently estimated at nearly 30,000 individuals, reflecting a significant 150% increase over the past three and a half decades. However, the population in countries like Zimbabwe has started to stabilize, and uncertainty remains regarding the extent of hybridization (with Angolan giraffe) in South Africa. No IUCN Red List assessment for the South African giraffe has been conducted, yet the increases observed would likely classify them as Least Concern.
