Abstract
BackgroundThe current taxonomy of the African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is primarily based on pelage pattern and geographic distribution, and nine subspecies are currently recognized. Although genetic studies have been conducted, their resolution is low, mainly due to limited sampling. Detailed knowledge about the genetic variation and phylogeography of the South African giraffe (G. c. giraffa) and the Angolan giraffe (G. c. angolensis) is lacking. We investigate genetic variation among giraffe matrilines by increased sampling, with a focus on giraffe key areas in southern Africa.ResultsThe 1,562 nucleotides long mitochondrial DNA dataset (cytochrome b and partial control region) comprises 138 parsimony informative sites among 161 giraffe individuals from eight populations. We additionally included two okapis as an outgroup. The analyses of the maternally inherited sequences reveal a deep divergence between northern and southern giraffe populations in Africa, and a general pattern of distinct matrilineal clades corresponding to their geographic distribution. Divergence time estimates among giraffe populations place the deepest splits at several hundred thousand years ago.ConclusionsOur increased sampling in southern Africa suggests that the distribution ranges of the Angolan and South African giraffe need to be redefined. Knowledge about the phylogeography and genetic variation of these two maternal lineages is crucial for the development of appropriate management strategies.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-014-0219-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The current taxonomy of the African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is primarily based on pelage pattern and geographic distribution, and nine subspecies are currently recognized
Giraffe of northwestern and north-central Namibia have been categorized as Angolan giraffe [1,16] but the taxonomic classification of giraffe from northern Botswana and northeastern Namibia remains uncertain
Angolan giraffe is thought to occur in southern Zambia, western Zimbabwe and central Botswana [16]. Both giraffe populations have historically been classified as either G. c. giraffa or G. c. angolensis, or most recently as a hybrid of G. giraffa/G. angolensis, depending on the taxonomic reference [6,8]
Summary
The current taxonomy of the African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is primarily based on pelage pattern and geographic distribution, and nine subspecies are currently recognized. The uncertainty of giraffe taxonomy in southern Africa affects conservation efforts, as individuals are being translocated both within and between different populations and countries across Africa without knowledge of the taxonomical status. These translocations are driven by economic reasons for improving regional tourism rather than biodiversity conservation [17]. Clarifying the relationship and distribution of the Angolan and South African giraffe is relevant for conservation efforts of the newly established KavangoZambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) that includes northeastern Namibia and northern Botswana
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
