The survey on the Maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) serves as a baseline assessment, which took place during the early dry season of July 2019 and late dry November 2020. This survey employed the total count method using line transects in pre-determined fixed zones, such as, Ndutu, Olbalbal, Olduvai, Kakesio, Endulen-Esirwa, Malanja A, Malanja B, Lemuta, Mlima Gol, Nasera, Oldonyogol, Kakesio 2, Ngarusi, Mlima Matiti, Embulbul, and Esere. In total, the area coverage was 2,885 km² out of 8,292 km², which is equivalent to 35% of the entire NCA, this excluded the Ngorongoro Crater, which is 250 km2, and the Northern Highlands Forest Reserve, which is 10% of the entire NCA, where Giraffes do not exist presumably because of insufficient diet and steep geographical terrain. During the survey, a total of (n=796) individuals were recorded in 2019, and (n=887) in 2020, Giraffes were observed utilizing open woodlands than others, while the most recorded behavior was feeding. This study aims to assess the current status of Maasai Giraffes in the area, thereby contributing to vital baseline ecological data for Conservation, Management, and long-term monitoring of the Maasai Giraffe in the NCA and ecosystems at large.

Keywords: Conservation status, distribution patterns, Maasai giraffe, Ngorongoro Conservation Area