Giraffe, the world’s tallest mammal is facing what is known as “silent extinction”. Its population in the wild has declined almost 40% in the last 30 years. With only 110,000 individuals left in the wild, a 10th of what was a century ago, we face a real threat of losing one of Africa’s most iconic animals. But what is happening and how can we prevent it?
Scientists had long believed that all giraffes belonged to the same species, Giraffa Camelopardalis. But new DNA research has shown that there are actually four distinct species of giraffe, more different than the brown bear is from the polar bear, with each facing different threats:
Of these four species, perhaps the ones facing the grimmest situation are the Northern and the Masai Giraffes. In East Africa, the population of the dark complexioned Masai giraffe has been reduced by half!
According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), “what is killing giraffes in Southern Kenya is fences. They are an even bigger threat than poaching. Giraffes can’t jump over fences, which means their ranges are being fragmented”
Masai Giraffe, Tanzania 2014
Southern Giraffe, Kruger National Park, South Africa 2019
Although it is true that not all species of giraffe are facing extinction, the factors behind its significant population decrease pose a question about the sustainability of the species as a whole in the rest of the continent. Human population growth, landscape fragmentation, climate change and war are the main culprits for this and unfortunately a very real and major threat in most countries in the African continent.
So, what can be done to protect giraffes in the wild?
Collaboration is again our best hope. Initiatives like the Giraffe Action Fund (GAF) from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) leverage collaboration among governments, local and international NGOs, conservationists and donors. Their presence in over 15 countries in the African continent provide a platform and secures resources to implement the initiatives required to support the species.
Investments by the GAF focus on efforts to:
· Action efforts to increase giraffe numbers, distribution and habitat.
· Action anti-poaching of giraffe across the continent.
· Action conservation education and awareness to save giraffe and to minimise their biggest threats.
Click here to learn more about how you can help the survival of giraffes in the wild.
Thank you for reading! It is also my daughter’s favorite! But don’t loose hope. The best attribute of nature is its resilience. That is why we must continue to preserve what we have and support those that do it in our favor :)
So sad to think that my little one’s favourite animal is facing extinction.