The towering giraffe, known as the tallest land animal, is facing severe threats to its existence, prompting U.S. wildlife officials to propose federal protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time. This move is responsive to alarming declines in giraffe populations across Africa, primarily driven by human activities such as poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the proposal on November 20, detailing plans to categorize three subspecies of northern giraffes—the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes—as endangered. These subspecies have experienced catastrophic population drops of approximately 77% since 1985, diminishing from 25,653 individuals to just 5,919 presently. Shockingly, the number of West African giraffes has dwindled to only about 690 individuals left, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.
Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Martha Williams, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, support biodiversity, boost ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices." Williams added, "This action supports giraffe conservation, ensuring the United States does not contribute to their decline."
The proposal also includes recommendations to list two subspecies of southern giraffes, the Angolan and South African giraffes, as threatened, recognizing the vulnerable status of these majestic creatures.
The devastating decline of giraffe populations is often referred to as the "silent extinction" and has gone largely unnoticed compared to the decline of other iconic species like elephants. Danielle Kessler, the U.S. Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), stated, "Losing giraffes would be a devastating loss to Earth's biodiversity. We hope the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will act swiftly to finalize this decision and secure the future of these species."
According to Kessler, populations of giraffes have plummeted dramatically by nearly 40% over the past three decades, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Giraffes face multiple threats contributing to their decline, including human-wildlife conflict, habitat encroachment from urbanization, and severe climate-related droughts across their range. These factors have not only resulted in habitat loss but also increased encounters with farmers as giraffes seek food and water resources, leading to violent confrontations.
The broader giraffe population has reduced drastically from approximately 140,000 to 68,000 over recent decades—a concerning trend, considering other endangered species are often more prominently featured in conservation discussions. Conservationists argue this reflects society's varying levels of awareness concerning the plight of different species.
To combat illegal hunting and the trade of giraffes, the proposed protections would require permits for importing giraffe body parts, which have historically been exported from Africa for various products, from leather goods to decorative items. Between 2006 and 2016, over 40,000 giraffe parts—such as skins, bones, and tails—were imported to the U.S. for use in crafting diverse items, fueling demand and putting more pressure on giraffe populations.
Global and local conservation efforts have slowly gained momentum, with organizations like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) advocating for protective measures for giraffes since new data revealed alarming declines. GCF reported about 117,000 wild giraffes remaining as of 2016, marking about 30% of their historic numbers.
The ESA listing may cut down on illegal trade, increase funding for conservation initiatives, and support scientific research aimed at giraffe populations. This federal action aligns with prior international moves, like those by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which provided giraffes with increased protection from international trade.
The proposal process will open for public comment until February 19, 2025, following which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to finalize their decision. The long-awaited protections should serve both the giraffes' interests and the broader biodiversity agenda, reflecting society's commitment to the conservation of vulnerable species as the world navigates increasing environmental challenges.
To conclude, the need for immediate and effective actions to conserve giraffes cannot be overstated. Federal protections under the Endangered Species Act represent hope for these gentle giants, affirming their right to thrive within ecosystems they have inhabited for millennia.
