Spots and Sociality in Giraffes

Masai giraffes. Photo courtesy of Sonja Metzger.

A new study found that female giraffes prefer to associate with other females that have similar spot shapes. Together with previous research, the finding suggests that individual differences in spot patterns may allow giraffes to recognize one another and potentially signal relatedness, thereby mediating social interactions.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Spot Shape Is Meaningful in Giraffe Social Circles.