Human Activities Impacting the Giraffe

Hunting

• African hunters value the giraffe for its hide and hair. It also provides meat, which is tough but nutritious. Hunting has not decimated the giraffe population as it has other large African game animals, but conservation groups consider it a source of concern.

Habitat Destruction

• Destruction of habitat takes several forms, but all of them basically reduce the amount of land available for giraffes. Some land is taken directly for human development such as roads and houses, and some land is developed for raising crops or livestock. In some places, people cut down trees for firewood.

Relocation

• Not all human activities have negative effects on giraffes. Efforts to relocate animals to more suitable habitats have helped preserve the giraffe population in some areas. According to the television show "Nature" on PBS, relocation workers capture or tranquilize giraffes and take them to sanctuaries where they will be protected. The workers try to minimize stress by covering the giraffes' eyes and ears during relocation.

Research

• One subspecies of giraffe that is considered endangered is the Rothschild's giraffe. The Rothschild's Giraffe Project in Kenya conducts research to help this species survive. Key research areas include habitat requirements, social structure and behavior of the Rothschild's giraffe. The project is working with other organizations to share knowledge and implement strategies throughout Kenya that will help the animal on a national scale.