Three subspecies and two species of giraffes may now be placed under the Endangered Species Act for the first time ever, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved to file the same on Wednesday. The former is reportedly an endangered subspecies and the latter is threatened.
According to CBS News, the giraffe population has been dwindling because of poaching, global warming, and the loss of their natural habitats. The move is the agency's attempt at nipping poaching in the bud, as the US is one of the primary producers of rugs, bookcases, shoes, furniture, and more, made from giraffe skin.
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As soon as the news broke out on X, scores online reacted with dismay and aggression. Several online were calling for severe penalization for poachers and hunters, while others suggested the path of veganism for all. Here's what one user said:
"Can we hunt poachers."
Seemingly everyone online concurred, or had their penalty suggestions ready:
"if i say what need to happen to poachers id be suspended," one user stated.
"We all know how poachers should be punished," someone else insinuated.
"Poor animals having to deal with obese pigs that go by the species of humans. It’s unfortunate that “primitive” species have more sense of moderation compared to the Jabba the Hutt, big back Buick built homosapiens," someone else ranted.
"this is the worst news i've ever read in my life like actually my heart just shattered," a fourth person shared.
Many more had a lot to say:
"It's about time we recognize the urgent need to protect giraffes. Their declining numbers are a stark reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity. We must take action now to ensure future generations can witness the beauty of these majestic creatures," one user suggested.
"Noo one of the most wonderful animals. Protect them at all costs," another implored.
"can’t wait for the eventual demise! as a biology (in depth) student and ecology student we are cooked. we’re bound to see an “unprecedented” loss of critical species and species interactions! so therefore the eventual collapse of ecosystems! so thanks humanity!" another user declared.
"Yes, it's really concerning that giraffes are now needing endangered species protection," yet another echoed.
On the face of it, there was a sense of urgency in the comments section as everyone rallied together to call for increased protection for these long-necked animals.
Giraffes have been declining at a concerning rate of 77% since 1985, officials say
While the mammals are not native to the US, covering them under the Endangered Species Act would offer substantial protection. As reported by The Guardian, Martha Williams, director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, said:
"Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster biodiversity, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking and promote sustainable economic practices. This action supports giraffe conservation while ensuring the United States does not contribute further to their decline.”
The subspecies, all of which are from the west, central, and east Africa, include the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes. These mammals are renowned for their long necks and bodies that can soar up to 19ft, and their brown-and-yellow patterned hide makes them easily distinguishable.
Per the Guardian, since the 1980s, populations of this animal have been axed by over 40%, leaving only about 69,000 alive. Per ABC News, the subspecies have declined even further, at a whopping rate of 77% since 1985, bringing it down from 25,653 to 5,919 animals. Per the agency, only 690 West African giraffes are alive today.
Danielle Kessler, U.S. Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), told ABC News,
"Giraffes have been moving towards extinction for years, but their plight has gone largely unnoticed. Losing giraffes would be a devastating loss to Earth's biodiversity. We hope that USFWS will move quickly to finalize this decision and safeguard the future of these species."
The Endangered Species Act was brought forth in 1973, and it protects all the fish, wildlife, and plants that have been listed as endangered or threatened. Federal agencies are less likely to put the species at further risk with the motion to include the large African mammal under this act on the cards.
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