The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing several giraffe subspecies under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in response to dramatic population declines driven by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Announced on November 20, the proposal aims to provide varying levels of federal protection for different giraffe populations across Africa to combat these threats and promote conservation efforts.
Under the proposed rule, the Service recommends listing all three subspecies of northern giraffes (West African, Kordofan and Nubian) – found in West, Central and East Africa – as endangered.
In addition, the reticulated and Maasai giraffes found in East Africa are proposed to be listed as threatened.
The southern giraffe subspecies, which includes Angolan and South African giraffes, are not considered endangered or threatened at this time. However, due to their similarity in appearance to other giraffe species, the Service proposes treating them as threatened under the ESA.
Giraffe populations have faced steep declines over the past decades. Northern giraffes have experienced a 77% population drop since 1985, with numbers plunging from 25 653 to just 5 919 individuals.
Within this group, the critically endangered West African giraffe population has dwindled to only 690 individuals.
The reticulated giraffe population is estimated at 15 985 individuals, with 99% found in Kenya. The Maasai giraffe population is around 45 402, roughly 67% of its numbers from the 1970s.
The Service highlighted the key threats facing giraffes, including habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human expansion, illegal hunting and impact from climate change such as drought, which exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts. Giraffes are also targeted for bushmeat and parts used in traditional medicine and crafts.
“Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster biodiversity, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking and promote sustainable economic practices,” said US Fish and Wildlife Service Director, Martha Williams.
If finalised, the proposed rule would limit the import of giraffe parts into the US by requiring permits, as well as increase funding for conservation and research projects.
The proposal to list the giraffe subspecies as endangered is open for public comment for 90 days, ending on February 19, 2025. The Service will review the feedback before finalising the rule.
