Giraffe Project

In the mid 1990s, the total number of all giraffe in Africa was estimated at more than 155,000 individuals. Today, there are only approximately 117,000 giraffe remaining in the wild. This is a decrease of almost 30%, a slightly less bleak picture than previously portrayed in the 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment that estimated giraffe left in the wild to number less than 100,000 individuals.

However, these updated stats are largely based more on improved data rather than on actual improvements to population numbers. Unfortunately, in some areas traditionally regarded as prime giraffe habitat, populations have dropped by 95% in the same period.

Limited conservation research has been undertaken on giraffe throughout Africa. While the IUCN Red List currently recognizes one species of giraffe and nine subspecies, new findings by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and their partners suggest that there are four species and five subspecies of giraffe. All four giraffe species and their subspecies live in geographically distinct areas throughout Africa. This updated information is currently under further review and will hopefully soon be taken into consideration by the IUCN for future conservation assessments, giving each giraffe their own taxonomical status and mandate for increased conservation.

Threats:

The combined impacts of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation, human population growth, poaching, disease, war and civil unrest threaten the remaining giraffe numbers and their distribution throughout Africa. 

Habitat degradation and destruction is caused by an increasing human demand for agricultural land, pastoralism, and uncontrolled timber and fuel-wood harvesting. The fragmentation and loss of giraffe habitat caused by human encroachment often leads to the isolation of giraffe populations which, in turn, limits the flow and exchange of genetic diversity between populations.

Conservation Solutions:

The Giraffe Conservation Foundation works in 16 African countries, and engagement ranges from program implementation, technical support, conservation monitoring and hands-on conservation action. Because giraffe conservation cannot be addressed in isolation, efforts also tend to focus on education and awareness-building amongst local communities. Working with people who share their living spaces with giraffe is of paramount importance.

Information sourced from Giraffe Conservation Foundation