Giraffe Social Organisation Study - Etosha

Background
Previously, giraffe societies were considered to show weak bonds between individuals and families. However, recent research seems to indicate that they may be more complex than previously thought; further studies are needed to increase our understanding of the social dynamics of these herbivores. Research of captive female giraffe suggests that adult females that associate with each other may be close relatives that can communicate with each other when they are apart, using low-frequency sounds.

Project Aims
This study aims to document the social relationships of approximately 135 wild female giraffe in Etosha National Park, Namibia. It is hoped that the research will reveal more about the social organisation of female giraffe by studying their 'social network'. This knowledge will be valuable for the management and conservation of giraffe populations going forward, including the relocation of giraffe groups, where a better understanding of their social factors may be vital for their survival. For example, past studies of elephants have shown that relocations are more successful if the entire elephant family is moved rather than random individuals. Little has been published about the effect of translocations for giraffe societies and this study will provide important information for conservation efforts. 

From a conservation perspective, future relocations of giraffe Africa-wide may be needed because the population as a whole is decreasing in numbers and some subspecies are already endangered (e.g. the Niger giraffe). With recent recognition of the strong genetic distinctions between subspecies of giraffes and the current push for reclassification of the six subspecies to full species status, governments will be motivated to implement conservation programmes for the most threatened populations. 

There is a strong need to improve our knowledge about the importance of giraffe sociality before existing populations are broken up by removal of individuals for translocation, to ensure that the social groups that are relocated have the correct social structure to ensure long-term survival. 

Project Details
A first in the research field is the use of a multi-method approach to understand the social structure of a species. Project objectives will include identifying each individual by coat pattern; observing which giraffe spend more time together and testing their DNA to see if they are relatives; investigating the benefits of being with other giraffe and why some females may have more 'friends' than others; observing who maintains the friendships; and finally, producing a model of the giraffe 'social network'.

At each sighting of a giraffe group, the identity of all individuals will be recorded, along with its GPS location and the activity of the group, such as feeding or travelling. The reproductive state, age, height and condition of all females will be recorded. Once group members have been recorded, observations of randomly selected (focal) individuals will be carried out for 20 minutes each.

The following data will be also be recorded: time spent vigilant, feeding and travelling and two-minute scan samples - the latter includes the identity of all giraffe within a radius of 15m of the focal individual and the identity of the closest giraffe to the focal individual; all social interactions involving bodily contact with the focal animal and individuals feeding on the same food source with the focal animal; all approaches and retreats between the focal individual and other individuals within 15m.