It ’s been a harsh few decades for giraffes . Native to Africa , these long - necked animal are thetallestto dwell on land , stretching up to 18 human foot in summit . But such a spectacular quite a little has become less and less usual , as their population have dwindled by near 40 percent since 1985 . close to 97,000 camelopard stay in the wild — a number that might soonpromptthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to officially declare them an endangered specie .
harmonize toSmithsonian.com , the giraffe population has been under duress for some time . Encroachment from develop areas has thin out their habitable environment , and poachers have also contributed to their shrinking number . Some hunters vote out the fauna for kernel , while others take the tail , which is perceive in some cultivation as a status symbol . Theleatheris also used in style and accoutrement . In 2016 , the International Union for the Conservation of Nature , which administer a macrocosm list of endangered species , put them at Vulnerable status , signaling a need to minimize their threat .
In 2017 , the Fish and Wildlife Service received a orison , sign by legion environmental groups and activists , ask to enquire the animals ' position . Now , the agency has consort to valuate the giraffe and see action . The follow-up cognitive process could last up to 12 months . If camelopard pick up the endangered species classification , conservationists would get federal financial support to help suppress incentive to defeat the animals , let in the import of its trunk function for sale and statistical distribution . Land encroachment is more difficult to monitor and would involve interfering in land deal and development .
Why has n’t their plight been more publicized ? One theory is that giraffes are vulgar visual sense in zoological garden , leading to a far-flung belief they ’re still expand . Activists are also concerned the review article process by the Fish and Wildlife Service could take longer than anticipated and have advocate policymakers to pretend speedily . In a statement , Natural Resources Defense Council voice Elly Peppersaidthat “ it ’s prison term for the federal government to cling its neck out ” for the metal money .
[ h / tSmithsonian.com ]
