This animal will join the endangered species list for the first time

This popular zoo animal will join the endangered species list.

Giraffe populations in the wild savannahs of Africa have experienced a dramatic decline, and it has become so severe that the US government is now taking action to protect the animals.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced a proposal to add giraffes to the Endangered Species Act.

This will mark the first time the species will receive formal protection under the law.

The measure aims to reduce giraffe poaching by restricting the importation of giraffe body parts and products, such as carpets, jewelery and shoes made from their remains. These items are contributing to the continued decline of giraffe populations.

Giraffes are facing serious threats as the population has plummeted from more than 150,000 individuals in 1985 to around 98,000 in 2015.

The dramatic decline is largely attributed to habitat loss caused by urbanization, drought caused by climate change, bushmeat poaching and illegal trade.

Environmentalists have praised the wildlife agency’s decision.

“Federal protection for giraffes will help protect vulnerable species, promote biodiversity, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices,” Fish and Wildlife Service director said in a statement. Wildlife in the USA, Martha Williams.

“This action supports giraffe conservation while ensuring that the United States does not further contribute to their decline.”

The proposal would significantly limit the commercial market for giraffe products entering the US, which is a large market for wildlife products; restricting giraffe-related trade would help protect the species globally.

The move comes after years of advocacy. In 2017, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and other environmental groups petitioned for protection.

After the Fish and Wildlife Service failed to act, environmentalists filed a lawsuit in 2021, resulting in a settlement that required the agency to decide on the giraffe’s listing by November of this year.

The seven-year delay in giraffe protection highlights a wider issue.

With millions of species at risk of extinction, urgent action is needed to address the threats facing wildlife before it is too late.

In response to these challenges, the US proposal includes new funding opportunities for giraffe conservation in African countries.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public feedback on the proposal until Feb. 19, with plans to finalize it within the year.