It seems that the extinction of the planet's species is the order of the day. There are many species of animals that are seeing their populations reduced until their extinction. In this article by Ecologist Verde we focus specifically on a species whose degree of threat has increased, the giraffe, that characteristic long-necked animal that we all know. If you want to know more about the danger that runs read below and discover why the giraffe is in danger of extinction.
Habitat and characteristics of the giraffe
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) it is a species of mammal belonging to the genus Giraffa typical of African continent. Characteristic of this genus is its long neck, which makes it the tallest animal Of all the land animals that exist today, it can reach 5.8 meters in height, and its horns and long bluish tongue are also a unique feature. In addition, they can weigh between 750 and 1600 kg and are one of the animals that sleep on their feet most of the time and that sleep little time a day.
Giraffes inhabit savannas, grasslands and open forests throughout its range from Chad to South Africa and from Niger to Somalia. They are herbivorous animals and their diet is based on acacia leaves, which they take from the highest areas of these trees thanks to their long necks and which are inaccessible to other herbivorous species.
Its main predators include lions, which hunt adult specimens, and leopards, hyenas and wild dogs, which hunt their young.
Due to their unique appearance, giraffes have attracted the attention of many cultures throughout history, which is why they have been frequently depicted in paintings, books, and drawings.
The taxonomy of giraffes is unclear. Based on genetic studies, some authors consider four current species of the genus Giraffa that differ according to the patterns of the spots on their fur: Giraffa camelopardalis, G. reticulata, G. tippelskirchi Y G. giraffa. However, on the IUCN Red List (the International Union for Conservation of Nature), or in English IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, only one species is recognized, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies, although this classification is questioned by some organisms.
Giraffe Conservation Status
According to the IUCN in 2016 the Giraffa camelopardalis it rose in severity in terms of its state of preservation. It went from being classified on the Red List as a species of Least Concern in 2008 and 2010 to being a vulnerable species because its population had decreased by up to 40% in three generations (from 1985 to 2015).
If we want to talk about figures, it is estimated that in 1985 there were a total of between 151,702 and 162,452 giraffes, while in 2015 the total figure was estimated at 97,562 individuals. For this reason, the giraffe is protected in most of the territory through which it is distributed.
Why are giraffes in danger of extinction?
Experts from the Kenya Wildlife Service are aware of the current status of this species and warn of the potential risk of extinction. In general, some populations are stable and increasing while others are in decline, although the current general trend is a reduction in the number of individuals. In addition, each of them is subject to different pressures and threats specific to the region in which they are located.
In broad strokes the four main Causes of Giraffes to be Vulnerable and Endangered:
- Loss of habitat due to deforestation, land use change, expansion of agricultural and livestock activities, and human population growth.
- Civil unrest and problems, such as ethnic violence, rebel militias, or military and paramilitary operations.
- Ecological changes such as mining, the conversion of its habitat for agriculture or processes caused by the weather.
- The illegal or poaching, since they are frequent targets for hunters in Africa.
This last point is very relevant, since the different parts of the giraffe's body are in high demand: the meat is used as a food source, the tail is used as a fly swatter and the hair for bracelets and thread. Its skin is also used to make shields, sandals and clothes or drums, and the tendons have been used in strings for musical instruments.
But this does not end here, apparently the healers of Buganda used the smoke that was formed during the burning of giraffes' skin to treat nosebleeds and the liver and bone marrow is used in the elaboration of a drink called Umm Nyolokh that is consumed in the town of the Humr of Sudan.
However, in the nineteenth century giraffe hunting began as a hobby, one of the great current problems that are killing a large number of wild species due to human frivolity.
Protection measures
The basic protection measures that are being used before the giraffe population decline are:
- Guarantee their habitats by strengthening and protecting them.
- Managing the strength of their populations to prevent them from continuing to decline.
- Education of the population that instills the values necessary to create the need to conserve one of the most iconic animals in the world.
Another measure that is proving effective is the creation of natural sanctuaries, which create in society this need that we are discussing to know and understand these animals, which are also one of the most important tourist attractions in Kenyan parks. In this way they insist on the importance of containing the threats that put them in danger, as well as on the collaboration of different organizations for their sustainability.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why the giraffe is in danger of extinctionWe recommend that you enter our category of Endangered Animals.
