Another Species Gone? Giraffes To Be Officially Declared "Endangered" Due To Poaching By Human

Giraffes, the tallest animals in the world, are facing a growing threat of extinction. Their populations are declining at alarming rates due to habitat loss, poaching, urbanization, and climate change-induced droughts

In response, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal on Wednesday to extend federal protections to several giraffe species for the first time under the Endangered Species Act

The agency has proposed classifying certain giraffe species as either "endangered" or "threatened". An “endangered” designation represents the highest level of threat, signaling that the species is at immediate risk of extinction

A “threatened” status indicates that a species is likely to become endangered in the near future

"Federal protections for giraffes will help safeguard a vulnerable species, promote biodiversity, support ecosystems, combat wildlife trafficking, and encourage sustainable economic practices

"This action underscores our commitment to giraffe conservation while ensuring that the United States plays no part in their decline."

Among the giraffe subspecies proposed to be listed as endangered are the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes

Their numbers have dropped by approximately 77% since 1985, shrinking from 25,653 individuals to just 5,919. In East Africa, the reticulated and Masai giraffes are proposed to be listed as threatened

Between 2006 and 2015, nearly 40,000 giraffe parts were imported into the country, often as hunting trophies such as heads and necks mounted on plaques or walls

In Africa, frequent and severe droughts have further strained giraffe populations, causing widespread crop failures, livestock deaths, and leaving tens of millions of people without food or water