Giraffes Silently Disappearing

(Wikimedia Commons)

By Kerry Hadrava

Around this time last year, it seemed as if all eyes were on April the giraffe who was set to give birth to the first captive born giraffe at the Memphis Zoo. Nearly a year later it seems as if once again the focus of animal lovers is directed towards this magnificent creature, however for a much different reason.

The international Union for the Conservation of Nature has recently moved Giraffes from “Least Concerned” to “Vulnerable” status. According to Smithsonian magazine, giraffes have faced a decline of nearly 40 percent over the past three decades and this is due mainly to urbanization of their habitats and poaching. The poaching of giraffes meat has become increasingly popular due to lack of food within surrounding villages.

However, Smithsonian reports, the largest problem giraffes are facing is lack of attention. “In fact, giraffes have silently been going extinct across Africa over the last century,” the article by Jason Daley states. “The animal is already gone from seven countries, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Guinea, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria and Senegal,” This silent extinction has been a major setback for giraffes and their fight for survival.

For more information:

www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/giraffes-silently-slip-endangered-species-list-180961372/