Restrictions on roaming Until the past century or so, the movement of wild animals was relatively unrestricted, and their travels contributed substantially to ecological processes. As humans have increasingly altered natural habitats, natural animal movements have been restricted. Tucker et al. examined GPS locations for more than 50 species. In general, animal movements were shorter in areas with high human impact, likely owing to changed behaviors and physical limitations. Besides affecting the species themselves, such changes could have wider effects by limiting the movement of nutrients and altering ecological interactions. Science , this issue p. 466
Traditionally, one giraffe species and up to eleven subspecies have been recognized [1]; however, nine subspecies are commonly accepted [2]. Even after a century of research, the distinctness of each giraffe subspecies remains unclear, and the genetic variation across their distribution range has been incompletely explored. Recent genetic studies on mtDNA have shown reciprocal monophyly of the matrilines among seven of the nine assumed subspecies [3, 4]. Moreover, until now, genetic analyses have not been applied to biparentally inherited sequence data and did not include data from all nine giraffe subspecies. We sampled natural giraffe populations from across their range in Africa, and for the first time individuals from the nominate subspecies, the Nubian giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis Linnaeus 1758 [5], were included in a genetic analysis. Coalescence-based multi-locus and population genetic analyses identify at least four separate and monophyletic clades, which should be recognized as four distinct giraffe species under the genetic isolation criterion. Analyses of 190 individuals from maternal and biparental markers support these findings and further suggest subsuming Rothschild's giraffe into the Nubian giraffe, as well as Thornicroft's giraffe into the Masai giraffe [6]. A giraffe survey genome produced valuable data from microsatellites, mobile genetic elements, and accurate divergence time estimates. Our findings provide the most inclusive analysis of giraffe relationships to date and show that their genetic complexity has been underestimated, highlighting the need for greater conservation efforts for the world's tallest mammal.
Highlights d Comprehensive whole-genome analysis of 50 individuals from all giraffe subspecies d Results show four separate giraffe lineages with distinct demographic histories d Luangwa giraffe should be treated as its own separate subspecies of Masai giraffe d Chromium de novo genome assembly of the critically endangered Kordofan giraffe
Estimates of home range size of giraffe in the northern Namib Desert were on average larger than those in other populations. In particular, the largest individual home range of any giraffe bull (1950 km 2 ) was recorded -correlated with low population density, reduced forage density and increased searching for receptive cows. The predominant pattern of movement was linear, along the riparian environments, however, large-scale irregular movements into tributaries and other areas were also recorded. Smallscale movements by bulls into the mountains above the Hoarusib River as well as by cows into the northern tributaries of the Hoanib River were observed. Seasonal movements of giraffe were not as distinctive as those in other giraffe populations. Small-scale habitat segregation was observed in the Hoarusib River study area with giraffe cows foraging only in the Gomatum River during the hotdry season. The first ever study of GPS satellite collared giraffe provided some of the highest resolution data on giraffe movements to date, including strong biphasic movement behaviour of giraffe over 24-h periods. RésuméLes estimations de la taille du domaine vital des girafes du nord du désert du Namib furent en général plus grandes que celles des autres populations. En particulier, on a enregistré le plus grand domaine vital individuel pour une girafe mâle (1950 km 2 ) -lié avec une faible densité de population, une densité de nourriture réduite et une recherche accrue de femelles réceptives. Le schéma de déplacement dominant était linéaire, le long des environnements riverains, bien que l'on ait aussi enregistré d'importants déplacements irréguliers vers des affluents et vers d'autres régions. Des déplacements de faible ampleur furent aussi observés, de mâles dans les montagnes audessus de la rivière Hoarusib et de femelles vers les affluents plus au nord de la rivière Hoanib. Les déplacements saisonniers des girafes n'étaient pas aussi typiques que ceux d'autres populations de girafes. Une ségrégation de l'habitat à petite échelle fut observée dans la zone d'étude de la rivière Hoarusib, avec des femelles qui ne mangeaient que dans le bassin de la rivière Gomatum pendant la saison chaude et sèche. La première étude jamais réalisée d'une girafe équipée d'un collier àémetteur GPS a fourni certaines des données les plus précises sur les déplacements de girafes à ce jour, y compris un comportement en deux phases de déplacement très nettes par période de 24 heures.
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