Giraffes are ON THE “CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ List AND facING silent extinction
Giraffe populations have decreased 90% in areas once regarded as giraffe habitat strongholds.
Giraffes are more than just beautiful animals with long necks!
They play a critical role in maintaining the health of the African ecosystem. Unfortunately, giraffes are facing significant threats from habitat loss and poaching, which puts their survival and the health of the ecosystem at risk
In 1985, there were an estimated 155,000 giraffes in the wild. But these graceful statuesque creatures have experienced a steady decline over the past four decades.
As of 2016, giraffes have been listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). There are currently less than 68,000 giraffes left in the wild. And they’ve become extinct in seven African countries.
Protecting this vulnerable species is our only way to ensure their continued survival.
“God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant and the cat. He as no real style. He just goes on trying other things.”
BTS drone footage from the multiple award-winning film: Breaking Their Silence: Women on the Frontline of the Poaching War. Photo Credit: Philip Folsom
Why are giraffes are disappearing
The spike in giraffe decline is the result of a confluence of factors. Giraffe populations are suffering from habitat loss, civil unrest, war, poaching and human population expansion changing the landscape. As civilization and modernization changes traditional giraffe habitat, giraffes become entwined in electrical poles and die of electrocution. They also fall victim to snares laid by poachers or bushmeat trade.
Poachers target giraffes and other precious African wildlife because their body parts amount to profit. This makes poaching difficult to stop, as some local communities rely on selling these items to feed their families. However, giraffes will quickly become extinct if we don’t fight against poaching in Africa.
Giraffes were once found across Africa in a variety of ecosystems and regions. Giraffes are essential to keeping African ecosystems balanced. Their 6-foot-tall necks help them reach foliage that other animals cannot. This allows for superior growth of foliage that other animals to eat. Additionally, giraffes are known for foraging on Acai trees, and some seedlings will not germinate unless they have been digested by a giraffe. Without giraffes, African habitats could lose a variety of other flora and fauna, too. Why Do Poachers Kill Giraffes? (iapf.org)
Unfortunately, the United States is a leading import and seller of giraffe parts. Currently, The U.S. allows for 1 or more trophy hunts per day imported into the country.
Over 20,000 giraffe bone carvings per day are also imported into the U.S. every day over the past 3 decades.
•Giraffes are an iconic species in Africa. They are a vital piece of our ecology.
•Giraffes eat foliage that others cannot reach, which contributes to the health of the flora and opens areas for other animals to forage.
How can we help?
•Share their story to build awareness and bring attention to their plight
•Report wildlife crime and support sustainable products
•Hold a local fundraiser in your community to raise funds to help our work
Learn more facts about these amazing animals! (Linking to Anne Innis Dagg website)
JOIN US IN THE FIGHT TO SAVE GIRAFFES
Photo Credit: Kelly Doyle
Did You Know…The horn-like protrusions on both male and female giraffes’ heads are called ossicones. They are technically neither horns nor antlers, but are ossified cartilage covered in skin and fur!