The Masai giraffe is the tallest land animal, but its status is shifting

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Standing up to 5.8 meters tall, the Masai giraffe is the largest of its kind. Once considered a mere subspecies, this East African giant is now recognized as a distinct species. Yet, despite their imposing stature, these animals face significant threats, with populations declining by over half in recent decades.

For over two centuries, scientists largely categorized all giraffes as a single species. This consensus shifted in 2016 when genetic research provided compelling evidence for four distinct species: the Masai, reticulated, northern, and southern giraffes. The Masai giraffe, formally described by German zoologist Paul Matschie in 1898, was named for Herr von Tippelskirch, who collected a specimen near Lake Eyasi in 1896. Today, the Thornicroft's giraffe of Zambia's Luangwa Valley is classified as a subspecies of this newly elevated species.

Physically, the Masai giraffe is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation. Its iconic neck, supported by the standard seven vertebrae, accounts for one-third of its total height. To forage in high canopies, it utilizes a prehensile, dark-pigmented tongue reaching up to 50 centimeters, which likely acts as a natural sunscreen. Bulls, which can weigh up to 1.3 tonnes, possess unique bony ossicones used for combat, often featuring an extra structure between the eyes. Despite their massive size, they are surprisingly agile, capable of reaching speeds of 64 kilometers per hour when galloping.

The species is currently listed as endangered, with wild populations numbering approximately 32,550. Recent decades have seen a 52% decline, driven primarily by poaching and habitat loss. Research indicates that survival rates are uneven: adult survival is lower outside protected zones due to human activity, while calf survival inside protected areas is often hampered by predation. Furthermore, calf mortality is influenced by seasonal factors, including the migration patterns of wildebeest and zebra. Conservation efforts are now multifaceted, involving government agencies like the Kenya Wildlife Service and community-based initiatives, alongside ongoing research into mysterious conditions like giraffe skin disease.

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