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Giraffe are four species, not one
giraffe
"As distinct species, it makes them some of the most endangered large mammals in the world."
Scientific discovery has implications for conservation

Genetic analysis has revealed the giraffe is not one species as previously thought, but four. Scientists say the discovery has huge implications for conservation.

Giraffe were believed to be one species made up of several subspecies but according to new research published in Current Biology, there are four highly distinct groups that do not mate with each other in the wild.

Scientists say the genetic differences between the four are at least as great as those between, say, polar bears and brown bears.

Skin biopsies taken from 190 giraffe across Africa were examined. Samples included populations from all nine of the previously recognised subspecies.

The four distinct species identified were:
1. Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
2. Southern giraffe (Giraffa Giraffa)
3. Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata)
4. Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi)

Three subspecies of northern giraffe were identified: West African giraffe (G. c. peralta), Nubian (G. c. camelopardalis) and Kordofan (G. c. antiquoram). The southern giraffe has two subspecies: Angolan (G. g. angolensis) and South African giraffe (G. g. giraffa).

Scientists say there is an urgent need for further study of the four species and greater conservation efforts. Giraffe are in dramatic decline across their range in Africa, with numbers thought to have fallen by over 50,000 in three decades. Yet, there is relatively little research on them compared to species such as elephants, lions, rhino and gorillas.

Northern giraffe are said to number less than 4,750 individuals in the wild, while there are less than 8,700 reticulated giraffe.

"As distinct species, it makes them some of the most endangered large mammals in the world and require doubling of protection efforts to secure these populations," said Dr Julian Fennessy, of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) in Namibia.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.