Giraffes, the world’s tallest animals, to be listed on endangered list – here’s why

Giraffes, the world’s tallest animals, to be listed on endangered list – here’s why

Giraffes, the world’s tallest animals and a symbol of Africa’s majestic wildlife, may soon receive a crucial lifeline. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed adding giraffes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time. This move comes as giraffe populations face critical declines, driven by habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade.

Giraffe Populations in Decline

Giraffe numbers have plummeted over the past few decades. Once numbering over 150,000 individuals in 1985, their population has dropped to approximately 98,000 by 2015—a staggering 40% decline in just three decades.

Key factors contributing to this sharp decrease include:

• Habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion.
• Climate change causing prolonged droughts in their natural habitats.
• Poaching for bushmeat and trophy hunting.
• Illegal trade in giraffe products, including rugs, jewelry, and shoes, with the United States being a significant market.

Listing giraffes under the ESA will offer essential protections to help reverse their decline. Key measures include:

• Restricting the import of giraffe body parts and products into the United States.
• Reducing the demand in the commercial trade market, which is fueling their exploitation.
• Creating opportunities for funding conservation efforts in African countries to protect their habitats.

Advocacy and the Path to Protection
The proposal follows years of advocacy by groups like the Center for Biological Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). In 2017, these organizations petitioned for giraffes to be listed under the ESA, but action was delayed. In 2021, a lawsuit pushed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to decide by November 2024.

Now, with the proposal announced, the agency is seeking public input until February 19, 2025. This feedback will help shape the final decision, expected to be made within the year.

What’s Next?
While the proposal is a positive step, giraffes are not yet officially listed as endangered. Conservationists emphasize the urgency of addressing threats to their survival, as giraffes play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.