Genetic diversity in fragmented southern African giraffe populations
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is distributed throughout sub-Sahara in savannah habitat. It is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red Data List, as their numbers are declining. Little is known about the genetic characteristics of giraffe in South Africa. This molecular analysis of the introduced giraffe populations in the Free State Province thus provides new insights into the species’ population genetics across the Province. The specific aims of this study were to quantify the levels of genetic diversity within