The IUCN (Verdensunionen for Naturbevarelse) Thursday moved giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Vulnerable’ on its Red List due to a 36-40 per cent decline in numbers between 1985 and 2015 to just 97,562.
Habitat loss and illegal hunting are significant contributors to the crisis, writes international wildlife charity, Born Free Foundation, in a press release.
Reacting to the news, Will Travers, President and CEO of Born Free Foundation, said:
“Giraffe now join the list of iconic wild animals threatened as a result of human activities. How many more must be pushed to the brink before we start taking responsibility and investing in our natural heritage for the sake of all wildlife and future generations?”
Giraffe are also a target species for trophy hunters, adding yet another pressure to an already fragile species.
Joanna Lumley, Born Free's Founder Patron, added: "To imagine that these gentle giants – tall blondes, as I like to call them – could be eradicated is almost beyond my comprehension.”
Born Free is currently supporting the conservation of the West African or Niger Giraffe.
Numbered in the hundreds, this sub-species has been slowly recovering but is by no means secure.
For further information see: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/animals/giraffe/projects/giraffe-conservation/
About Born Free
The Born Free Foundation is devoted to conservation and animal welfare. It takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase-out zoos, therefore rescuing animals from tiny cages and giving them lifetime care.
Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles and many more species in their natural habitat, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict. For more information go to: www.bornfree.org.uk
