Effective conservation and management of giraffe require adopting recent advances of their taxonomy

The taxonomy of giraffe (Giraffa spp.) has a long and complex history, with scientists debating merits of various classification schemes. Currently, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognises giraffe as a single species (G. camelopardalis), based primarily on analyses of pelage patterns and geographic distribution carried out ~ 60 years ago. However, recent scientific findings on distribution and pelage pattern, along with detailed genomic analyses, have revealed inconsistencies with the existing classification, emphasizing the need for a reassessment. We conducted a systematic review of the taxonomic history of giraffe and evaluated the various classification schemes applied to the genus Giraffa. We describe these and summarise the distinguishing characteristics used for taxonomic assessments to lump or split different giraffe species and subspecies. Recent research aligns with taxonomic principles that support the hypothesis that there are four giraffe species, each of which is genetically distinct, with clear delineation between different monophyletic clades that are indicative of a long history of reproductive isolation in the wild. Based on genomic evidence supporting four reproductively isolated lineages that have been separated for hundreds of thousands of years, we urge the use of this designation in international treaties and the IUCN. We place the findings from our review in the context of the threats facing giraffe populations across their distributional range and highlight the need for incorporating up-to-date and more comprehensive data to inform conservation management of these threatened species.