How to Save the World’s Tallest Animal

Though every schoolchild knows the tallest animal in the world, giraffes are
often forgotten when it comes to conservation. During the past 30 years, the
African herbivore’s numbers have plummeted 30 percent. Habitat loss and
poaching have mostly driven the decline, but because there have been no long-
term conservation efforts, it’s hard to know what’s really happening.

Making matters worse, scientists know very little about giraffe behaviour: how
they live, the space they need to survive, and even why their necks are so long.
Imagine living every day with the threat of being shot and killed. Imagine having
your home destroyed by cruel, thoughtless strangers. Imagine watching your
friends or family being poached for their skins by brutal murderers. This is the
reality for the remaining few giraffes we have on this planet.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the two main
giraffe species may each have fewer than 10,000 individuals left on Earth.
Known for their unmistakable patterned hides, reticulated giraffes live
predominantly in northern Kenya, with some remaining populations possibly living
in southern Ethiopia and Somalia. The reticulated giraffe has dropped in number
by 80 percent in recent decades due to habitat destruction and poaching.

But all is not lost! With your help, scientists can begin to unravel the mystery
behind the rapid decline in the giraffe population. In the first week of June,
scientists collared a total of 11 giraffes in Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy and the
Leparua Community Conservancy, as well as attached tiny, solar-powered
trackers to the bony horn-like structures on top of their heads. These GPS
trackers will gain critical insight into reticulated giraffes' preferred habitat,
their home ranges, and more. Knowing which areas are vital to them at different
times of year, as well as how they move across the landscape, is essential to
ensuring their survival.

So, can you help? Do you think that the survival of these towering icons of
Africa is worth your time? If so, please donate just £3 a month to the Giraffe
Conservation Trust and help us to protect and preserve this spectacular species.

Now is the time to act for giraffes. Conservation is critical; species are under
threat! Together we can make a big difference. Take action today and join us in
preventing extinction.