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Study suggests giraffe are 'socially complex'
The study tested two hypotheses, firstly, that giraffe have a complex cooperative social system, and secondly, that giraffe form matrilineal societies.
Traditionally, the species were thought to have little or no social structure.

Giraffes are a socially complex species, a study by scientists at the University of Bristol has found.

In a paper published recently in the Mammal Review journal, Zoe Muller, from Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, has suggested that giraffes spend up to 30 per cent of their lives in a post-reproductive state.

Muller suggests that this is comparable to other species who spend a similar amount of time in a post-reproductive state, such as elephants and killer whales, both of whom have highly complex social structures and cooperative care. 

The 'Grandmother hypothesis', which suggests that female mammals live long past menopause in order to help raise future generations of offspring, is suggested by the researchers here to function in the same manner as the presence of post-reproductive adult female giraffes. This supports Muller's proposal that giraffes are likely to engage in cooperative parenting along matrillines.

Muller commented on the importance of the study: It is baffling to me that such a large, iconic and charismatic African species has been understudied for so long. This paper collates all the evidence to suggest that giraffes are actually a highly complex social species, with intricate and high-functioning social systems, potentially comparable to elephants, cetaceans and chimpanzees.

“Recognising that giraffes have a complex cooperative social system and live in matrilineal societies will further our understanding of their behavioural ecology and conservation needs.

“Conservation measures will be more successful if we have an accurate understanding of the species’ behavioural ecology. If we view giraffes as a highly socially complex species, this also raises their 'status' towards being a more complex and intelligent mammal that is increasingly worthy of protection.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."