Giraffes Facing Silent Extinction Crisis, Study Finds

Giraffe populations have declined by 40% in the last 30 years, due to habitat loss, insufficient law enforcement, ecological changes, climate change, and lack of awareness. A study has ranked habitat loss as the biggest threat, followed by insufficient law enforcement and ecological changes, writes Derek E. Lee for The Conversation Africa.

Conservationists are working to safeguard existing unprotected giraffe habitat, strengthen wildlife law enforcement, promote sustainable forestry, new cooking techniques such as gas stoves, water conservation and planning for groundwater resources, and building wildlife crossings into roads and pipelines. They are also working to increase knowledge and awareness about giraffes locally and worldwide.

The study found that the greatest risk factor for local giraffe extinction was a reduction in wildlife law enforcement leading to more poaching. An increase in law enforcement would mitigate the negative effects of climate change and the expansion of towns along the edges of protected areas.