The giraffe looks set to be officially listed as an endangered species after conservationists piled on evidence to prove the animal’s frightening decline in numbers.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has recognised ‘substantial evidence’ that giraffes are critically endangered, finally reacting to pressure from activists to protect the animal.

Wildlife preservation groups have been calling on the Trump administration to protect giraffes under the Endangered Species Act for more than two years.

A petition launched in 2017 by various animal welfare groups demanded the new status, and authorities are finally looking into the risk that giraffes may become extinct.

This official listing would elevate the battle to save giraffes alongside more high profile animals such as lions, rhinos and elephants, and release funds to aid their protection.

Official review

The Fish And Wildlife Service will now conduct an official review into the status of giraffes before a new status could potentially be applied.

Adam Peyman, manager of wildlife programs and operations for the Humane Society International, said in a statement: “Tons of money is poured into conservation projects for these species. Giraffes just don’t enjoy that.”

The Humane Society launched the petition to protect giraffes, which explained that 40 percent of the world’s giraffe population has been lost in the last 30 years leaving only 97,000 today.

The world’s tallest land animal faces threats from hunting and loss of habitat due to city expansion and agriculture.

According to the Society, more than 40,000 giraffe parts were imported to the US between 2006 to 2015 to make pillows, boots and bible covers, among other items.

Should the Trump administration act to protect giraffes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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