Giraffes Are Becoming Extinct And No One Seems To Notice

In June, the carcasses of three giraffes were discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They’d been shot for no apparent reason until people saw that their tails, which are a status symbol in the area, had been removed.

This is only one example of how giraffes have been used by humans. The major causes driving these species to extinction are habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict as a result of a growing human population.

But almost no one has been talking about this “silent extinction” – until now.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which tracks species populations, just listed giraffes as “vulnerable.” Before, the animals were considered of “least concern.”

Giraffe numbers have dropped about 40% in the previous 30 years, or three generations, from over 163,000 in 1985 to just over 97,000 last year. This implies that the giraffe is another another species on the verge of extinction as a result of human activity on the globe.

“While giraffes are frequently seen on safari, in the media, and in zoos, many people, even conservationists, are unaware that these beautiful animals are facing a quiet extinction,” according to IUCN co-Chairman Julian Fennessy.

“Hair, skins, tails, and other body parts are shipped from Africa to markets in America, Europe, and beyond,” Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, told The Dodo. “With giraffes, like with so many other animals, the aim is to ensure that no American citizen purchases any goods created from giraffe parts, including tourist trinkets.”

Some people are working tirelessly to ensure that this “silent extinction” is never complete, allowing giraffes to thrive in the wild. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), for example, is a Namibia-based organization dedicated to establishing new giraffe habitats and ensuring the survival of wild giraffes.

“We are increasing our reach, working with partners throughout Africa to enhance giraffe conservation on the ground, while at the same time collaborating with partners internationally to rally support and awareness for giraffe,” Steph Fennessy, director of GCF, said. “[This] will ultimately help to save them in the wild in Africa.”

To donate to the GCF, click here – or even consider buying one of their giraffe calendars as a gift.