Nubian Giraffe

The Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) is a North African subspecies of giraffe native to Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan. It is currently extinct in the wild of Egypt and Eritrea. The Nubian giraffe used to be widespread everywhere on Northeast Africa. The total population was estimated to 650 Nubian giraffes. The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

The Nubian giraffe has sharply defined chestnut-colored spots surrounded by mostly white lines, while undersides lack spotting. The median lump is particularly developed in the male giraffe.

Giraffes occurred everywhere in Africa; the Nubian giraffe was widespread throughout North Africa, from South Sudan to Egypt. The giraffe lives in savannahs and woodlands. The Nubian giraffe currently lives in eastern South Sudan and southwestern Ethiopia. It was estimated that fewer than 250 live in the wild, although this number is uncertain. However, as of 2014, it was recently estimated that 650 Nubian giraffes live in the wild.

The Nubian giraffe is rare in captivity. Although, the Al Ain Zoo from the United Arab Emirates is the only known zoo outside of Africa to be breeding the endangered species. The Nubian giraffe is also breeding in captivity in Giza Zoo from Egypt.