IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group

Group leadership

Dr Michael BROWN

I am a conservation ecologist interested in developing applied solutions to conservation challenges rooted in scientific understandings of population ecology and movement ecology. Examining these processes through the lens of spatial interactions over time, I hope to better understand how individuals and populations respond to changing environments - from seasonal variation in resource distribution to large scale human-driven disturbances- and exploring how an understanding of these interactions across spatiotemporal scales might be used to craft creative and meaningful conservation strategy.

I am committed to translating scientific findings into meaningful conservation strategy. As such, I work collaboratively with conservation organizations, government agencies and academic institutions to better understand and implement solutions to contemporary issues in biodiversity conservation. Conservation solutions are rooted in trust and understanding across cultural and political divides so I strive to integrate diverse perspectives of thinking and doing in collaborative conservation initiatives.

I am a conservation ecologist interested in developing applied solutions to conservation challenges rooted in scientific understandings of population ecology and movement ecology. Examining these ...

About our work

The IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) is the global authority on the conservation of giraffe and okapi. Comprised of scientists, conservation practitioners, and policy specialists from across range states and beyond, GOSG provides the evidence base needed to guide effective conservation action for all species.

GOSG plays a central role in assessing extinction risk and recovery potential through the IUCN Red List and Green Status of Species, ensuring that conservation decisions are grounded in the best available science. The group synthesizes data on population trends, distribution, threats, and management interventions, while explicitly documenting uncertainty and knowledge gaps to support transparent, defensible assessments.

Our mission

The mission of the GOSG is to advance the science-based conservation of giraffe and okapi by coordinating expertise, monitoring and reporting on population status and trends, and providing trusted technical advice to support effective, inclusive conservation action. Through rigorous assessment, knowledge sharing, and awareness raising, GOSG works to ensure informed decision-making that safeguards these species and their habitats for present and future generations.

Resources

GOSG focuses to recognize the widespread threats to giraffe and okapi, and to address the lack of understanding of the species and their conservation needs.