Giraffe Types

Giraffes are currently thought to be one species with nine subspecies. However, research conducted by David Brown of the University of California Los Angeles indicates the possibility of at least six species of giraffes instead. The different types of giraffes can be identified by the shape of their spots, their size, coloring and number of horns. The three main types are reticulated, Rothschild and Maasai.

  1. Reticulated

    • The reticulated giraffe is the one most often on display in zoos and wildlife parks. It has defined spots that are usually an orange-brown color and are separated by distinct white lines. It is found in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

    Rothschild

    • The Rothschild giraffe, also known as the Somali, is the tallest of the subspecies, and is the tallest animal on earth. It has three or five horns, and its legs are white below the knees, but it may have spotted hocks. Its spots are light colored with a cream background. These giraffes are now only in protected areas in Kenya and the Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.

    Maasai

    • Found in Kenya, the Maasai giraffe can be identified by its dark brown jagged-edged markings that resemble oak leaves. The background is a brownish-cream color. These giraffes grow to a height of approximately 18 feet and have two or three horns.

    Nubian

    • Nubian giraffes' spots are large, chestnut brown and are four-sided with an off-white background. They don't have spots below the hock or on their inner thighs. They can be found in northeast Congo and eastern Sudan; it is rare to find them in captivity.

    Angolan

    • The Angolan giraffe is also known as the smoky giraffe. Their large, notched spots cover the length of their legs. Their range covers northern Namibia to western Botswana and southern Angola.

    Kordofan

    • Kordofan giraffes dwell in western and southwestern Sudan. Their small, irregular spots also cover their inner legs.

    South African

    • The South African giraffe is found in northern South Africa and in the southern parts of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. Its spots are blotched or rounded, some with what look like stars on the light tan background, which run all the way down the legs.

    Thornicroft

    • The Thornicroft giraffe is also known as the Rhodesian, and is found in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. This giraffe is biologically isolated from other giraffe subspecies, and is possibly unique genetically. Their star-shaped spots extend into their lower leg.

    West African

    • Also called the Nigerian giraffe, the West African giraffe grows to a height of 16 to 19 feet and weighs up to 2,800 lbs. Their spots are a pale yellowish-red color, and they are found in west and central Africa.