Fighting a “silent extinction,” giraffes are becoming fewer and fewer by the numbers. There was originally thought to be only one species, but new research shows there are four giraffe species. Most species, with exception of South and West African giraffe subspecies, are vulnerable or unstable. Giraffes may seem an unreasonable animal to try an save, but can you imagine a world without the goofy, lovable giant? Having always admired the long-necked creatures, I know I couldn’t.
There has been a 40% decrease in giraffe numbers in the past few decades, and the numbers continue to rise. From around 163,450 giraffes to now the estimated 97,560, giraffes are now in the same vulnerable grouping as the elephant, orangutan, and coral. Many could argue that these animals have no effect on the world, and would cause no harm if they didn’t exist anymore. This could be true, but every species has an important role in this world. If giraffes, along with elephants and the other vulnerable creatures begin to disappear, what else will?
Will we begin to lose other animals, that play a more important role? CNN states, “Humans have, at the most, around 20 years to change the way we treat nature, or we will bring about the sixth mass extinction event in the entire history of Earth.” This life that is risking extinction is the life that has created the Earth as we know it. For now, we are the only known life in the universe, and yet we’re still allowing beautiful creatures to go extinct, without a care. If there is not a change made soon, humans are bound to face consequences.
The amount of poaching that occurs, for giraffe tails and meat is what is bringing their numbers to a concerning amount. Because this has happened slowly over the years, it has been easily overlooked, but it is time we do something about it. I can’t imagine a world without giraffes, and I sure hope I never have to see it. Spread the word in an attempt to save the endangered animals in our world.
