Giraffes have declined by 40% in 30 years, designated as vulnerable by the IUCN. Habitat fragmentation from agriculture and roads creates isolated subpopulations and increases road collision mortality and human-wildlife conflict.
Giraffes struck by vehicles suffer severe traumatic injuries from their height making collision physics particularly destructive. Social isolation of small giraffe groups in fragmented habitats creates stress from reduced social opportunities for a species that, while not as tightly bonded as elephants, benefits significantly from group membership. Pregnant females in isolated populations face delivery risks without the protective presence of a larger group.