Giraffe populations are in decline, and no one’s noticing. This is why the spotlight is on giraffes with World Giraffe Day approaching. The day will be celebrated on Saturday, 21 June.
Giraffe populations are in decline
As World Giraffe Day approaches on Saturday, 21 June, it’s time to give some long-overdue attention to one of Africa’s most iconic – yet overlooked – species. While animals like rhinos and pangolins dominate the conservation spotlight, giraffes are quietly disappearing.
Spotlight on Giraffes
According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, giraffe numbers have dropped by 30% over the last 35 years, with only around 117,000 left in the wild. The IUCN now lists them as vulnerable, with subspecies like the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes facing critical endangerment.
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Why Are Giraffes at Risk?
The threats to giraffes vary by region but are alarmingly consistent:
Habitat loss due to farming, settlement, and development
Poaching for bushmeat, skins, tails, and bones
Habitat fragmentation, which disrupts migration and breeding
Human-wildlife conflict from encroachment on natural ranges
Private Reserves: A Silent Force in Giraffe Conservation
Joe Cloete, CEO of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, says private reserves are stepping in where public initiatives lag.
“Giraffes don’t get the conservation attention they deserve, even though they play a crucial ecological role by shaping vegetation and supporting biodiversity,” says Cloete.
Shamwari and similar reserves actively:
Restore degraded ecosystems
Monitor giraffe populations closely
Operate anti-poaching patrols using dogs, drones, and aircraft
Manage breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity
Community Involvement is Key
Shamwari also runs outreach programs to help locals understand that giraffes aren’t just wildlife — they’re an economic asset. “Tourism creates jobs and demand for local services,” Cloete adds, “like our amenity kits, sewn by a local women’s group.”
Why World Giraffe Day Matters More Than Ever
This World Giraffe Day, let’s stand tall for giraffes — before they fade further from view.
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