[Taxacom] How many species of giraffes?

[Kenneth Kinman]

Dear All,
      I was surprised to learn that the IUCN still only recognizes a single species of giraffe.  Perhaps because of the confusion/controversy over how many species to actually recognize by various authors (perhaps four or six?).

       Until the controversies are played out (which could take many years), it seems to me that IUCN should at least take the first step and split the single species into at least two species of giraffe: (1) a southern species including the South African, Masai, and Angolan giraffes; and (2) a northern species.

       I think most workers would agree that there at least two species.  So the next step would then be to determine if the four species proposal has merit:  splitting G. tippelskirchi from the other southern forms; and/or splitting G. reticulata from the other northern forms.

       It seems to me that such a stepwise approach would be better than just sitting around pretending that there is just one species just because there is no consensus how many species we will eventually agree upon.  There are plenty of researchers out there who at least agree there are more than one species, and they could certainly agree that there are at least two.  Therefore, I would encourage IUCN to at least take that first step as soon as possible.  There is little reason not to take that first step just because there is disagreement how many species should ultimately be recognized.

                        -----------Ken Kinman. usually a lumper, but a little splitting seems appropriate here

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