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| Giraffa reticulata |
The US Fish and Wildlife proposed listing five species of giraffes as endangered or threatened. Earth's tallest animal is suffering from loss of habitat and poaching for its uniquely colorful skin. The United States is a leading destination for illegally taken body parts. Giraffe numbers have fallen by 40% since the 1980s. Only an estimated 69,000 are thought to remain alive in the wild. IUCN listed several species of giraffes as critically endangered in 2018. The US listing covers three species living in northern Africa and two in eastern Africa. The eastern African species, Masai, and reticulated, will be listed as threatened, as step below endangered. Conservationists welcomed the action, but said it was long overdue.
[photo credit: Giraffe Conservation Foundation]Trade in giraffe parts will require an international permit and provide funds for conservation efforts. Data collected on the trade up to 2022 show a wide variety of giraffe parts entering the country from skins and tails to skulls and feet made into jewelry, rugs and trophies. The agency set a deadline of February 19th for public comment on the proposed listing. The trophy hunting industry is anticipated to object to the new rules. The question is how much sway does it have with the incoming US government. Trump's eldest son is a trophy hunter, and his father's climate policies are seen as a looming disaster for the planet. Send your comments supporting giraffe conservation to the agency here.
