Giraffes could soon be on the endangered species list, experts warn

Giraffes, whose population is in worrying decline, could soon be put on the endangered species list.

…which would mark the first time the giraffe would receive formal protection under this legislation.

In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed adding them to the Endangered Species Act…

The global giraffe population has been in significant decline since 1985, and three subspecies in particular – the Kordofan, Nubian and West African giraffes – would be specifically targeted for protection.

Their populations have declined by around 77%, from over 25,000 to less than 6,000 individuals.

This decline is mainly attributed to habitat loss, caused by several factors such as drought, urbanization, poaching and illegal trade.

Part of the legislation being considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would address this last point.

This would include regulations requiring a permit to import giraffe body parts into the USA, to combat illegal hunting and trade.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to finalize the proposal in 2025, and will be taking public comments until February 19, 2025.