World Giraffe Day Highlights Urgent Need for Conservation
With World Giraffe Day on 21 June, conservationists are drawing renewed attention to the sharp decline in giraffe populations across Africa. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation reports a 30% drop over the past 35 years, with only an estimated 117,000 giraffes remaining in the wild today. Contributing factors include habitat loss from agricultural expansion, urban development, and poaching. Several subspecies, such as the Nubian and Kordofan giraffe, are now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Private game reserves across Southern Africa are playing an increasingly vital role in giraffe conservation. By protecting and restoring ecosystems, these reserves offer safe habitats, foster genetic diversity, and reduce poaching through enhanced patrols and surveillance. Joe Cloete, CEO of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, underlined the importance of community engagement and awareness. Many reserves support local economies through job creation and procurement, reinforcing the connection between conservation efforts and sustainable tourism development.
Source: Bizcommunity
