Giraffe lineages are shaped by major ancient admixture events. A study analyzing the genomes of 90 wild giraffes from across their range reveals complex evolutionary history with significant ancient gene flow, particularly affecting the Reticulated giraffe lineage. The study identifies four major giraffe lineages, with the Reticulated lineage showing evidence of hybridization, contributing equally from the Northern lineage and an ancestral lineage related to the Masai and Southern giraffes. Genetic differentiation among lineages ranges from 0.28 to 0.62, with significant levels of ancient gene flow. The findings highlight the importance of considering genetic diversity in conservation efforts, as well as the need for targeted management strategies to preserve giraffe diversity. The study also suggests that conservation interventions, including reintroductions and population reinforcement, should consider the complex evolutionary history of giraffes. The research underscores the role of ancient admixture in shaping giraffe diversity and the need for conservation strategies that account for this complexity. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of giraffes and the processes of speciation, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic structure for effective conservation. The findings have implications for the classification of giraffes into species and the management of giraffe populations in the face of habitat fragmentation and population decline.Giraffe lineages are shaped by major ancient admixture events. A study analyzing the genomes of 90 wild giraffes from across their range reveals complex evolutionary history with significant ancient gene flow, particularly affecting the Reticulated giraffe lineage. The study identifies four major giraffe lineages, with the Reticulated lineage showing evidence of hybridization, contributing equally from the Northern lineage and an ancestral lineage related to the Masai and Southern giraffes. Genetic differentiation among lineages ranges from 0.28 to 0.62, with significant levels of ancient gene flow. The findings highlight the importance of considering genetic diversity in conservation efforts, as well as the need for targeted management strategies to preserve giraffe diversity. The study also suggests that conservation interventions, including reintroductions and population reinforcement, should consider the complex evolutionary history of giraffes. The research underscores the role of ancient admixture in shaping giraffe diversity and the need for conservation strategies that account for this complexity. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of giraffes and the processes of speciation, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic structure for effective conservation. The findings have implications for the classification of giraffes into species and the management of giraffe populations in the face of habitat fragmentation and population decline.