Three giraffe subspecies, the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes, are facing population declines and may be added to the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, the reticulated and Masai giraffes may be listed as threatened. The main threats to giraffes include poaching, habitat loss, climate change, and human population growth. The proposed listing would help protect the animals by reducing illegal hunting and trade, as well as increasing funding for conservation efforts in their range countries.
Since 1985, the population of the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes has declined by 77%, with only 690 West African giraffes remaining. The majority of reticulated giraffes are in Kenya, while there are around 45,400 Masai giraffes, a decrease from the 1970s. Despite being the tallest terrestrial animals, giraffes spend most of their time feeding on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit in savannas and woodland habitats.
Listing the giraffe subspecies as endangered or threatened would provide protections under the Endangered Species Act, which aims to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants that are at risk of extinction. The proposal is open for public comment for 90 days. The Fish and Wildlife Service hopes that federal protections will help combat wildlife trafficking, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable economic practices, while ensuring that the United States does not contribute to the decline of these iconic animals.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com