The giraffe (
Giraffa camelopardalis) is an iconic megaherbivore whose populations are declining across Africa, the only continent where they are found. Giraffe numbers have plummeted from an estimated 150,000 in 1985 to fewer than 100,000 today.
Like many species of African wildlife, giraffes face numerous threats. The biggest threats are hunting for bushmeat markets and loss of habitat due to deforestation and the spread of farms.
Giraffes shape and sustain healthy ecosystems. For example, woody plant spines, such as thorn trees, are a response to giraffe browsing. Giraffes are also a big attraction for tourists.
The best way to reverse giraffe population declines is to monitor individual animals and learn why they do better in one place over another. This helps to pinpoint threats and evaluate conservation strategies, such as how the presence of people influences giraffes and whether community conservation areas work.
Trailing giants: clues to how people and giraffes can thrive together pittsburghstar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pittsburghstar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
THE STANDARD By
Standard Correpondent |
January 25th 2021 at 00:00:00 GMT +0300
Narok Governor Samuel Tunai with Brian Heath, CEO Mara Conservancy during the Greater Serengeti Society meeting at Mara Serena, Masai Mara on Saturday. [Courtesy]
Kenya and Tanzania will conduct a joint cross-border count of rhinos and other large mammals in the shared Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
The census is one of the resolutions reached by a joint meeting of tourism industry players from the two countries at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge that has been sitting for the last three days.
The meeting dubbed the Greater Serengeti Society platform and chaired by the chairperson of the Tourism and Natural Resources Management Committee Samuel Tunai deliberated on the successes made so far in the conservation of the Greater Serengeti ecosystem, as well as existing challenges and interventions needed.
Action plan launched to conserve giraffe in Tanzania eturbonews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eturbonews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.