Photo Credit: Giraffe Conservation Foundation
The growing human population is creating the greatest threat for giraffes that they face today, and in recent years the species has been moved from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The overall decline of giraffe populations is estimated at 40% since 1985. Other contributing factors towards this decline are habitat loss, expanding industry/agriculture, hunting and human conflict. All human factors which are pushing giraffes towards extinction.
Our partners at Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) have been working hard to sustain giraffes, focusing on the conservation of some of the giraffe sub-species, which we keep here at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
In Uganda, GCF have been co-operating with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect the Nubian Giraffe, known as Rothschild’s Giraffe. The current population of this sub-species is estimated at less than 2,100, which is precariously low. However, thanks to the work of GCF there are now four populations of Nubian Giraffe in Uganda. The giraffes are contained in National Parks to protect them from poachers and agricultural development. GCF are currently working towards a repeat of their 2015 ‘Operation Twiga’ project, where 18 giraffe were successfully moved as part of a conservation translocation to increase the range of giraffes in Uganda.
GCF have also contributed towards a collaborative community-based project to protect the reticulated giraffe in Kenya, which are under threat from poaching, habitat loss, and competition for food and water from newly-introduced species. Earlier in June, an international team lead by the Kenya Wildlife Service fitted eleven threatened reticulated giraffe with new GPS solar units so that their movements could be followed. This combined with regular field observations will help to understand their habitat use and protect both the species and the habitat.
We’re thrilled to be supporting the GCF in their efforts to combine the declining population of the world’s tallest animals. Help us support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and DONATE TODAY to preserve these widely-loved animals.
Also why not drop by the Park one day and visit our Behansin, Palle, Jengo and Jambo!
