Knowledge through research
The Rothschild's Giraffe Project
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Rothschild's giraffe
The Rothschild's giraffe is one of the nine currently recognised sub-species of giraffe in Africa.
History
The Rothschild's giraffe was first named and described by Lord Walter Rothschild, a pasisonate zoologist and member of the Rothschild family. Lord Rothschild described his giraffe following an expedition to East Africa in the early 1900s.
The Rothschild's giraffe is sometimes also known as the Baringo giraffe or the Ugandan giraffe.
Lord Walter Rothschild
Range
When first described by Lord Rothschild, the Rothschild's giraffe was free ranging and abundant accross Kenya, Uganda and Sudan.
Over the past centuary however, poaching, human-wildlife conflict and habitat encrachment has severely affected the population and this giraffe is now confined to parts of Kenya and one park in Uganda.
There are now less than 650 individuals remaining in the wild today.
Appearance
The Rothschild's giraffe is easily recognised and distinguised from other giraffe sub-species by its unique appearance.
The coat patches tend to be much less 'jagged' than the masaai giraffe and are found on a cream coloured background. Rothschild's giraffe are also quite light in colour. Their most defining feature however is that there are no markings found below the knees (as if they are wearing cream stockings), making the Rothschild's giraffe easy to recognise in the field.
Ecology & Behaviour
There has never been any scientific study on the Rothschild's giraffe in the wild, and as such we know nothing about its wild behaviour and ecology making it almost impossible to conserve these giraffe effectively. If we do not know their ecological requirements then how can we create successful conservation plans?
The Rothschild's Giraffe Project is conducting the first ever scientific research on the Rothschild's giraffe to provide this vital information and to enable the development of conservation plans in collaboration with governments and wildlife managers.
The Future?
With less than 650 individuals remaining in the wild, the future is uncertain for the Rothschild's giraffe.
The Rothschild's giraffe has already become extinct in Sudan and numbers are dangerously low in Kenya and Uganda. If we are to prevent this giraffe from going extinct then we urgently need effective conservation strategies. To do this, we need research and information.
The Rothschild's Giraffe Project will provide such information and work towards securing a future for this Endangered species in the wild.
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