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@amivitale1

Ami Vitale

In a sobering update, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing giraffes as an endangered species, a response to dramatic declines caused by poaching, habitat loss, and the increasing threats of climate change. This decision, while devastating, will offer vital protections for the species, helping to combat wildlife trafficking, support ecosystem health, and promote sustainable practices. This proposed listing will apply to three northern giraffe subspecies—the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes—whose populations have plummeted by a staggering 77% since 1985. Today, there are fewer than 6,000 individuals remaining. The Reticulated and Masai giraffes are also being considered for listing as threatened. I had the privilege of documenting the dramatic move of two Rothschild’s (Nubian) giraffe that had become marooned on Longicharo Island, a rocky lava pinnacle in the middle of western Kenya’s Lake Baringo. The rising lake levels turned the peninsula into an island, trapping the giraffes. In a dramatic rescue, two were transported across the lake on a makeshift raft, to Ruko Community Conservancy, with the remaining six being transported some months later. Today fewer than 3,000 Rothschild’s giraffes are left in Africa, with about 800 in Kenya. Save Giraffes Now helped orchestrate this inspiring move with the Northern Rangelands Trust and Kenya Wildlife Service. #giraffes #stoppoaching #kenya #africa #everydayafrica

On the profile · Nov 28, 2024