Since 1985, giraffe populations have declined by up to 77%. For giraffes, evolution hasn’t been the problem—conservation has. Today, three species are in a state of extreme vulnerability: the West African giraffe, the Kordofan giraffe, and the Nubian giraffe.
In 2022, news of slowly recovering giraffe populations brought hope to conservationists worldwide. However, over five years later, efforts to protect these iconic animals continue to face significant challenges.
Now, two years later, the United States has announced a proposal aimed at further safeguarding giraffes. Why are they returning to the list of endangered species? What’s being done to protect them, and what challenges do they face today?
What Threats Do Giraffes Face?
Giraffes, the tallest terrestrial animals, can grow to nearly six meters in height and captivate anyone lucky enough to see them in the wild. They are endemic to Africa, ranging from Central to Southern Africa and from Nigeria in the west to Somalia in the east.
Unfortunately, their future is uncertain due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. To address this, the United States is considering granting giraffes federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The need for this protection is urgent. Some giraffe populations have declined by as much as 77% since 1985, dropping from 25,653 individuals to just 5,919. In addition to the three critically vulnerable species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also proposing to list the reticulated giraffe and the Masai giraffe as threatened species.
What Would Federal Protection Mean?
If approved, new regulations would impose restrictions on the import of giraffe parts, requiring special permits and curbing illegal trade. The proposal also includes expanded funding for research and conservation initiatives.
Environmental groups have been advocating for these measures since 2017, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The current proposal is open for public comment until February 19, 2025, with a final decision expected later in the year.
Read also: The Earth is Asking for Help: Emperor Penguin Swims Over 2,000 Miles to Australia
The Main Challenges for Giraffes
Giraffes face several critical threats, including habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion and urban development, poaching for their meat, skin, and bones.
Climate change, which has intensified droughts and desertification in their habitats. It’s important to note the distinction between an “endangered” and a “threatened” species. A species classified as endangered is at immediate risk of extinction. A species labeled as threatened is likely to face extinction in the foreseeable future if conditions don’t improve. By granting giraffes federal protection, conservationists hope to reverse these alarming trends and ensure the survival of one of Africa’s most iconic animals.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Perla Vallejo in Ecoosfera
