Conservation efforts helping to save West African giraffes | Tunde Folawiyo

April 11, 2014 Editor Tunde Folawiyotunde folawiyo africatunde folawiyo biotunde folawiyo oiltunde folawiyo profileUncategorized

The giraffe can be found in fifteen African countries; it resides mainly around savannahs, where there are plenty of trees on which it can feed. Today, the total number of giraffes in existence stands at about 100,000.Whilst this is quite a good Tunde Folawiyopopulation size, several sub-species, such as the West African giraffe, are in danger of extinction; there are approximately 450 of these animals left.

Those who are interested in conservation, like Tunde Folawiyo, might be aware that decades ago, large herds of these creatures could be found in Cameroon and Senegal; however, today, they can only be seen in a small region of Niger, which is currently not under any formal protection. The sub-species almost disappeared entirely in 1996, but due to the efforts of several conservation groups, its numbers are now gradually rising once again, although it is difficult to say whether the West African giraffe will survive in the long term.

The lowest number of West African giraffes ever recorded was 50; this number rose to 175 in 207, 310 in 2011, and most recently, 450. A considerable amount of the conservation work done to protect this species has focused on the Dosso herd, which resides to the north of Niger’s Doss Partial Faunal Reserve. The AWF has also been collaborating with the ASGN (Association to Safeguard the Giraffes of Niger) to protect these animals.

The main threats to the species are habitat encroachment and hunting; as human populations rise in Niger, the space in which West African giraffes can live safely and peacefully has shrunk. Additionally, many hunters kill these creatures in order to obtain their tails, which are considered to be prized possessions by many people.

Being familiar with wildlife conservation, Tunde Folawiyo may know that quite a few parks and sanctuaries outside of Africa have also been doing their part to increase this species’ population. Recently, a West Africa giraffe was born at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Cumbria. A representative named Karen Brewer discussed the arrival of the calf with the press; she explained that they were thrilled with the birth, and added that they were proud of how successful their involvement with wildlife protection has been. She also added that another of the park’s female West African giraffes is due to have a calf during the summer months.

protecting West African giraffesSouth Lakes Wild Animal ParkTunde Folawiyotunde folawiyo africatunde folawiyo biotunde folawiyo executiveWest African giraffe populationWest African giraffes


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