Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
The name Flyga Twiga is a combination of Swedish (Flyga) = Flying and Swahili (Twiga) = Giraffe. Giraffes are one of Amy Millican's favourite animals, inspiring her to name her company after them. Giraffes are one of the iconic Megafauna of Africa that many travellers look forward to seeing on Safari.
Giraffe Tower Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC A group of Giraffe is appropriately called a Tower.
Conservation Status of Giraffe
Giraffes are often overlooked from a Wildlife Conservation point of view. Therefore, it came as a shock to many when they were moved to the “Vulnerable Classification” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List in 2016.
There are currently 9 sub-species of Giraffes recognised. Many of the sub-species such as the Kordofan and Nubian Giraffes are listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Even the Masai Giraffes, that many will be familiar with from their East Africa Safari, was listed as endangered in 2019.
Why did this happen so suddenly? It has not been that sudden. Giraffe numbers have declined by 40% in the last three decades alone. It is estimated that there are only about 68,000 mature individuals of breeding age left.
Giraffes Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Threats Facing Giraffe
The plight facing the Giraffe is the same that faces all our Wildlife and Ecosystems. They have been somewhat overlooked as the plight of Lion, Elephant, and Rhino made the headlines.
Now, people are starting to realise the Giraffe are also vanishing. More projects and studies are being conducted to understand the best way to help conserve the tallest land mammal. Following are some of the major threats facing these beautiful creatures.
Habitat Loss
The greatest threat facing Giraffe is that of habitat loss. One of the major contributors to this is the charcoal industry. Charcoal is the main source of fuel for Local Communities throughout their range. This leads to trees being cut down which are the Giraffe’s food source.
The situation is exacerbated by variations in weather. Droughts and unpredictable Rainy Seasons are impacting the growth of the specific trees that giraffes feed on, such as the Giraffe’s favourite, the Acacia Tree.
Fragmented Populations
Giraffes, along with most Wildlife, have been forced into living in “Protected Areas”, which are small pockets spread out from each other. This means that the Giraffes are confined and can only mate within a small Genetic Pool. This makes the species weaker and more vulnerable to disease.
Poaching
Giraffes are poached not only for their meat to feed local communities, but also for their use in traditional African medicine. Sadly, their tails are also popular in Western Africa as a good luck charm.
Giraffe Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
How can you help?
There are many ways you can help, even from home.
Share
Talk with others about the challenges facing Giraffes. Sharing this important information will help enlighten others about the Vanishing Giraffe.
Research
Many conservation groups, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, have a wealth of information. Your knowledge, combined with sharing, can be a powerful force in helping save the Giraffes.
Go on Safari!
Giraffes, as with all African Wildlife, have great value to local communities through Safaris. Your Safari is part of Wildlife Conservation. In addition to seeing these “Beauty Queens of the Bushveld” in person, your Safari will help protect their future and future generations.
Now is the time to Share, Research, and plan your African Safari and help save the majestic Vanishing Giraffes!
Giraffe Among Acacia Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC