Giraffes are becoming endangered

Question

I have noticed many articles claiming that giraffe populations are dangerously low and are becoming endangered. However, most of these claims pertain to the US. I wonder whether the species is considered endangered globally?

Similar articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/climate/giraffes-threatened-endangered.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/11/20/giraffes-endangered-species/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/11/20/some-giraffes-facing-endangered-status-for-first-time-as-population-plummets-heres-how-many-are-left/

Answer 1

According to the Giraffe Conservation Fund (GCF) based in Windhoek Namibia the species is listed vulnerable which is one level above endangered but there are several subspecies that are listed as either “endangered” or “critically endangered” https://giraffeconservation.org/giraffe-conservation-status/ . Furthermore, the number of giraffes has decreased from 155,00 in 1980 to 117,000 today, but recovered from 100,000 in 2016.https://giraffeconservation.org/facts-about-giraffe/how-many-giraffe-are-there-and-are-they-endangered/ So the claim is both true and false since technically the species is not “endangered” but some subspecies are. 

Comments

You did well including two sources in your work, as well not only agreeing with this person's claim but giving more additional facts about how more subspecies of giraffes are more endangered than we assume. But of your sources are valid as well

---

Thank you for this response. The use of multiple sources shows your understanding on the topic as well as your demonstrates your thorough research and confident response to the claim.

---

I think that you did a couple things really well here. First, you went to the GCF which is probably the best source as there are no biases and they only focus on the conservation of Giraffe's across Africa. Also, bringing up that possible subspecies shows that you have a great understanding of the full picture of this topic

Answer 2

"Giraffe populations in the wild savannas of Africa have experienced a dramatic decline, and it has become so severe that the U.S. government is now taking action to protect the animals." (New York Post) Environment Experts & Animal Protections are working hard at this issue for it to be resolved. Thousands of Giraffes are at risk and are in jeopardy of being added to the list of permanent extinction. So yes, this is a global issue. According to Take Action for Wildlife Conserveration "There are only about 117,000 giraffes left in the wild now, so every giraffe is important and matters. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is stepping in to limit giraffe product trade, combat poaching, and protect the species. Between 1985 and 2015, their population dropped by over 30%, mainly due to poaching, urbanization, and climate change. The U.S. government's proposal aims to help preserve giraffes and support broader conservation efforts​. Though the US is stepping in to help with these issues, this is a world wide issue that needs major attention. 

Sources: https://nypost.com/2024/11/20/science/this-animal-is-about-to-join-the-endangered-species-list-for-the-first-time/

https://www.takeactionforwildlifeconservation.com/conservation-news-blog/read_201249/world-giraffe-day-2024.html#:~:text=There%20are%20only%20about%20117%2C000,Giraffes%3A%20Africa's%20Gentle%20Giants%E2%80%9D.

Comments

this is very true to add onto this, The decline in giraffe populations is a pressing global issue. Over the last 30 years, their numbers have dropped by more than 30% due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change, leaving only about 117,000 in the wild. Conservationists and governments, including the U.S., are taking steps to combat giraffe product trade and preserve their habitats. However, this challenge requires worldwide collaboration to ensure the survival of these iconic animals. Every effort counts in preventing giraffes from becoming permanently endangered.