 |
| Source: Short Day |
Imagine this: A
dire world without the tallest land mammal in the world: The Giraffe. This can
soon be reality if we don’t stick our necks out for giraffes – we have taken them
for granted for far too long!
Unfortunately, the conservation status of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), has, for the first time, been classified as ‘Vulnerable to extinction’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in its Red List of Threatened Species report. These species were previously classified as ‘Least Concern’. But, their survival is in jeopardy as their populations are declining considerably. The animal faces extinction in the wild in the medium-term future if nothing is done to minimize the threats to its life or habitat. It came as a shock to many people as they didn’t see it coming. Julian Fennessy, executive director of Giraffe Conservation Foundation, calls it the “silent extinction”.
Unfortunately, the conservation status of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), has, for the first time, been classified as ‘Vulnerable to extinction’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in its Red List of Threatened Species report. These species were previously classified as ‘Least Concern’. But, their survival is in jeopardy as their populations are declining considerably. The animal faces extinction in the wild in the medium-term future if nothing is done to minimize the threats to its life or habitat. It came as a shock to many people as they didn’t see it coming. Julian Fennessy, executive director of Giraffe Conservation Foundation, calls it the “silent extinction”.
 |
| Source: ABC |
 |
| Source: BBC |
The sad fact is
that they once roamed extensively across Africa's savannas and woodlands, but
now only occupy half of the range they did a century ago. This remarkable yet
humble animal is under severe pressure in East, Central, and West Africa, their
core ranges. Here, the populations are sparse and fragmented due to i.e. roads
and mines.
Their woodland habitat has been cleared for farms or burnt for charcoal,
they’ve been hunted by poachers for their 'trophy' tails, and a vast expanses
of remote, biologically rich ecosystems to new development pressures and increasing
human-wildlife conflict have occurred.
 |
| Source: The Verge |
Their total numbers
have declined by 40% in just the last few decades from more than 150,000 in
1985 to just over 97,000 in 2015. Moreover, they have disappeared entirely from
seven African countries, namely Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Guinea, Malawi,
Mauritania, Nigeria, and Senegal. Their decline has been so abruptly because
they reproduce slowly, occasional attacks by lions and hyenas, and they are
unable to effectively adapt to their hostile surroundings.
 |
| Source: IB Times UK |
We have to stop
assuming that giraffes will survive one generation to the next. We all have to ensure that conservation take place while ensuring sustainable societies. Saving the
iconic giraffe will be a tall order before we lose them forever, but will absolutely
be worthwhile. Your grandchildren will be thankful that you helped these tall,
majestic animals so that they, too, can learn more about these
stunning animals, but, most importantly, abundantly experience the stunning picture below in real-life:
 |
| Source: Short Day |
References
