Did you know that each giraffe has a unique pattern of spots? Scientists use these spot markings to tell individual giraffes apart and to learn about giraffes social behavior (who they hang out with) and ecology (what they eat, where they go, and so on).
There are 6 different giraffes in the grid below. Can you find the matching pairs?
Did you know? The giraffes in this game are all a type called Masai giraffes. Masai giraffes live in Tanzania and Kenya, countries located in East Africa. Some Masai giraffes have jagged or star-shaped spots. Others have blocky spots. Some have light brown spots. Others have dark brown or reddish-brown spots.
Dig deeper: Scientists began using spot markings to identify individual giraffes in the 1960s. They did this by making drawings or taking photographs and comparing them with a reference image. As you have discovered, this is a tricky job for a human! Sometimes we make mistakes.
In 2012, a computer program called WildID was developed that could reliably do the job of matching giraffe spot markings with human assistance. This new tech makes it easier for scientists to analyze large datasets, learn more about giraffe ecology and behavior, and helps conservation efforts.
You may also like
