The ongoing genetics research conducted by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation has identified four distinct species of giraffe. Among them, the northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the least populous, with only 7.000 individuals remaining in the wild.
Within the northern giraffe, the Kordofan giraffe (G. c. antiquorum) subspecies is particularly vulnerable, estimated at only 2,300 individuals. Over the past 35 years, the Kordofan giraffe has experienced a significant decline of more than 80%, leading to its classification as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2018. However, based on GCF’s State of Giraffe 2025 report, it is suggested that Kordofan may be downlisted to Endangered as in the previous assessment some populations had been incorrectly counted as Nubian giraffe.
In the Republic of Chad, the Kordofan giraffe is primarily found in Zakouma National Park in the southeast region. This park is home to approximately 69% of the global wild population of Kordofan giraffe. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation, in collaboration with the African Parks, has led the first-ever conservation efforts on the Kordofan giraffe in Chad.
GPS satellite tagging was an important initial step in gaining a better understanding of giraffe movements. Tracking their movements has revealed that some giraffe spend significant time outside the park boundaries. These findings help to guide education and awareness activities with communities in order to secure the future of Kordofan giraffe in this area.
As we learn more about the Kordofan giraffe’s movements, we are witnessing the return of ancient behaviors: seasonal migratory patterns that are now being mapped for the first time by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in partnership with the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration (GIUM). Maps of these migrations are available in the Atlas of Ungulate Migration.
Read more about the Kordofan giraffe’s migratory patterns here or download the GIUM Fact Sheet: Kordofan Giraffe – Zakouma National Park, Chad.
Through aerial surveys in collaboration with Wings for Conservation, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation identified a new previously unknown population of Kordofan giraffe in the Kondjourou area. This is the northern-most known Kordofan population and this discovery is a strong argument in evaluating new areas for conservation protection.
Recently, the Giraffe Conservation in support of the Chadian government developed the first-ever National Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan which will help to guide future conservation efforts in the country.
