Giraffes are experiencing a silent extinction, with populations declining by 40% over 30 years, yet they receive far less conservation attention than similarly threatened charismatic species.
Giraffes suffer from habitat loss as savanna woodland is converted to agriculture across Africa. Illegal hunting for bushmeat and skin affects all populations. Humans and vehicles frequently injure giraffes, including through wire and fence entanglement. Climate change is altering rainfall patterns affecting vegetation availability. Captive giraffes require very large enclosures with appropriate height for feeding, social companions, and enrichment. Transport of giraffes involves high mortality risk due to their height and the challenge of preventing injury to their long necks in transit. Giraffe Conservation Foundation programs monitor and protect wild populations.