Due to the effects of poaching as well as human activity on their habitat, giraffes are now moving closer towards extinction.
Humans are by far the greatest threat
The giraffe population has been fragmented because the once continuous stretch of savannah and forests have been broken up by roads and fences. This in turn forced giraffes to feed on poor quality foliage, which leaves them in poor health.
This fragmentation makes the giraffes much more vulnerable to deforestation, drought, poaching, as well as troops from war-torn countries who look at the majestic animals as extra rations.
Within the span of 30 years, the giraffe population has dropped by 40% from between 152,000 and 163,000 animals in 1985 to just 98,000 in 2015.
Giraffes used to be safe
Before, giraffes used to be classified in the safest bracket for animals, 'least concern'. But due to the impact of humans on giraffes, they're now classified under vulnerable, which is 2 steps above their previous designation.
Additionally, the situation might even be much worse than previously known, as the list treats all different types of giraffe as a single species. Which can possibly mean that certain giraffe subspecies have a markedly lower population compared to other subspecies.
It's very important for us to understand the impact of our activities on animals and their habitats. Surely, we don't want to have another case similar to the extinction of the dodo bird happen again?
Go to the next page to learn more about animal conservation.
Animal conservation
As humans, we have the unique responsibility of taking care not only of our fellow humans, but also of the environment. This is why we have to be more careful of our activities so that we do not cause drastic changes to the fragile balance of mother nature.
This means that we have to be more mindful of the impact that our activities have. We need to focus on the conservation of the plants and wildlife that we currently have so that future generations can still marvel at the beauty and majesty of nature.
That's why we need to support initiatives and groups that have the best interests of animals in mind. Poaching wild animals should not be supported, and we should avoid buying products that are made from endangered species.
We should also try and look for ways to better coexist with our environment so that our impact on the environment can drastically be reduced.
After all, we only have one planet. And it's our responsibility to take care and protect our mother earth.
READ: 20 Baby animals that are sure to warm the coldest heart
Sources: theatlantic.com, theguardian.com
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