Giraffes, the iconic giants of Africa’s savannas and woodlands, have reached a critical juncture in their survival. The US government has proposed listing giraffes under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time, aiming to combat the threats of habitat loss, poaching, and climate change that have drastically reduced their population. This move marks a significant step toward ensuring the future of a species loved worldwide.
A Declining Population
Once abundant across sub-Saharan Africa, giraffe populations have plummeted by more than 40% since the 1980s. Today, only about 69,000 individuals remain in the wild. Habitat fragmentation for housing and farmland, compounded by intense droughts driven by climate change, has severely impacted giraffes’ survival. Poaching has added to their struggles, with giraffes targeted for bushmeat, traditional medicine, and trophy hunting.
First-Time Protections Under the ESA
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed ESA protections for five giraffe subspecies. Three northern subspecies, primarily in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Uganda, will be listed as endangered, reflecting a staggering 77% population decline since 1985. Two East African subspecies—the reticulated and Masai giraffes—will be classified as threatened, a step below endangered status.
Martha Williams, director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, emphasized the importance of these protections:
“Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster biodiversity, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices.”
Addressing the Global Trade in Giraffe Parts
The proposed ESA listing seeks to curb the US’s role as a major importer of giraffe body parts. Recent data shows a staggering variety of giraffe products entering the country, including skins, leather items, bones, hunting trophies, and even rugs and jewelry. The new rule will require permits for giraffe imports, limiting the trade that has contributed to their decline.
Environmental groups like the Center for Biological Diversity, which petitioned for giraffe protections in 2017, have celebrated the move as a long-overdue victory. “These gentle giants are suffering a silent extinction,” said Tanya Sanerib, the center’s international legal director.
Raising Awareness for Giraffe Conservation
Giraffes are not a single species but comprise four distinct species, making their conservation even more urgent. Stephanie Fennessy, executive director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, highlighted the importance of this proposal:
“The attention generated through this rule will help increase awareness of their plight and the fact that not all giraffes are the same. Ultimately, this attention will hopefully convert into more funding support and interest to save all four species of giraffe in the wild.”
Overcoming Political and Industry Challenges
Despite widespread support for giraffe conservation, the proposal faces potential opposition. Trophy hunting groups, which profit from giraffe hunting, may challenge the new restrictions. The proposal also enters a politically sensitive period as the US transitions between presidential administrations, raising questions about the policy’s longevity.
Tanya Sanerib remains cautiously optimistic:
“Everyone loves giraffes, that’s not a partisan issue, right? This is a species that crosses the political divide, a species everyone cares about.”
The ESA’s Role in Giraffe Survival
The ESA’s safeguards offer more robust protection than international efforts like the 2019 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) ruling, which attempted to regulate giraffe parts trade but fell short of meaningful enforcement. The new US action could set a precedent for other nations to take stronger measures in giraffe conservation.
What’s Next for Giraffes?
The Fish and Wildlife Service will accept public comments on the proposed listing until February 19, 2025. After reviewing the feedback, the agency aims to finalize the rule within a year. If enacted, the listing will bolster funding for giraffe conservation and help stem the tide of their decline.
A Hopeful Path Forward
Giraffes are among the most beloved animals on Earth, admired for their grace, beauty, and towering stature. The proposed ESA protections reflect a critical step in their preservation, offering hope for their survival amid the challenges of poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
By raising awareness and implementing strong conservation measures, the US can play a pivotal role in safeguarding these gentle giants for future generations. As Sanerib aptly put it, “This is a species everyone cares about,” and their survival depends on swift, decisive action.
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