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In war-torn South Sudan, giraffes retain a surprisingly healthy gene pool

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 29/09/2026, 14:54:24 UTC.

Briefings

Recent research indicates giraffes in South Sudan's war-torn savannas maintain a healthy gene pool despite decades of conflict, with DNA analysis showing high genetic diversity. The study, led by Sam van Giessen from the University of Amsterdam, analyzed skin biopsies from 30 Nubian giraffes in Boma and Badingilo national parks. Between 1985 and 2025, Nubian giraffe populations in Ethiopia and South Sudan declined by 95%, leaving only 235 individuals in isolated pockets by 2025. Despite concerns about inbreeding due to the small population size, the genetic analysis revealed robust connectivity to nearby populations, suggesting conflict-affected regions can sustain significant biodiversity.

Key points

• DNA analysis of 30 Nubian giraffes in South Sudan revealed high genetic diversity and connectivity to nearby populations.
• Between 1985 and 2025, Nubian giraffe populations in Ethiopia and South Sudan declined by 95%, leaving only 235 individuals in isolated pockets.

Context and limitations

Study analyzed DNA from skin biopsies collected in 2025; population estimates from 1995 are unavailable. Research is based on limited data from two national parks and relies on researcher interpretation of genetic patterns.

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