Effective giraffe conservation gives new hope for population growth
Ellanie Smit
Despite decades of decline and ongoing threats, the latest data reveals that giraffe numbers are increasing due to effective conservation actions, dedicated research, and growing global awareness. This is according to the State of Giraffe 2025 report released by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation on World Giraffe Day, which was celebrated on 21 June.
According to the foundation, three of the four distinct giraffe species in Africa are showing positive population trends.
“We are thrilled to share these updated numbers. Not only are our conservation efforts paying off, but with the support of our partners, we are getting better at monitoring and protecting these iconic creatures,” said Stephanie Fennessy, executive director of the foundation.
It said in a statement that with 7 037 individuals remaining, the northern giraffe remains one of the world’s most threatened large mammals.
However, a nearly 20% increase offers hope amidst ongoing insecurity in its range.
Estimated at 20 901 individuals, the Reticulated giraffe shows encouraging trends and appears to be increasing. However, reliable data is difficult due to security issues in northeastern Kenya and limited access in parts of Ethiopia and Somalia, the foundation said.
Remarkable growth
“Found across southern Africa, the Southern giraffe species shows the most remarkable growth.”
An estimated 68 837 individuals now roam the wild - a 50% increase in just five years, largely due to improved survey coverage and increased awareness, according to the statement.
Furthermore, the Masai giraffe shows stable numbers across Kenya, estimated at 43 926, a strong sign of resilience.
“In Rwanda, the population continues to grow steadily, and Zambia’s Luangwa giraffes are also expanding in range and number.”
The foundation is also launching the Giraffe Africa Database (GAD), a centralised platform for monitoring giraffe populations across Africa.
“Only a few species benefit from this level of detail. GAD will transform how we plan and implement giraffe conservation,” said Dr Courtney Marneweck, the foundation’s conservation technology coordinator.
Sole purpose
Operating in 21 African countries, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is the only organisation dedicated solely to giraffe conservation.
It plays a vital role in developing and implementing national and regional conservation strategies in collaboration with governments and stakeholders.
So far, 14 countries have adopted such strategies, demonstrating that coordinated, science-based conservation is effective.
“This new data calls for an urgent reassessment of giraffes on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and renewed attention from international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Each species deserves tailored protection. One-size-fits-all will not save them,” said Fennessy.
In 2016, giraffes were uplisted from Least Concern to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. With the release of the State of Giraffe 2025 report, there is now a strong case for listing three of the four species as endangered or vulnerable.
The foundation said that these new trends provide hope, but the threat of silent extinction remains.
Despite decades of decline and ongoing threats, the latest data reveals that giraffe numbers are increasing due to effective conservation actions, dedicated research, and growing global awareness. This is according to the State of Giraffe 2025 report released by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation on World Giraffe Day, which was celebrated on 21 June.
According to the foundation, three of the four distinct giraffe species in Africa are showing positive population trends.
“We are thrilled to share these updated numbers. Not only are our conservation efforts paying off, but with the support of our partners, we are getting better at monitoring and protecting these iconic creatures,” said Stephanie Fennessy, executive director of the foundation.
It said in a statement that with 7 037 individuals remaining, the northern giraffe remains one of the world’s most threatened large mammals.
However, a nearly 20% increase offers hope amidst ongoing insecurity in its range.
Estimated at 20 901 individuals, the Reticulated giraffe shows encouraging trends and appears to be increasing. However, reliable data is difficult due to security issues in northeastern Kenya and limited access in parts of Ethiopia and Somalia, the foundation said.
Remarkable growth
“Found across southern Africa, the Southern giraffe species shows the most remarkable growth.”
An estimated 68 837 individuals now roam the wild - a 50% increase in just five years, largely due to improved survey coverage and increased awareness, according to the statement.
Furthermore, the Masai giraffe shows stable numbers across Kenya, estimated at 43 926, a strong sign of resilience.
“In Rwanda, the population continues to grow steadily, and Zambia’s Luangwa giraffes are also expanding in range and number.”
The foundation is also launching the Giraffe Africa Database (GAD), a centralised platform for monitoring giraffe populations across Africa.
“Only a few species benefit from this level of detail. GAD will transform how we plan and implement giraffe conservation,” said Dr Courtney Marneweck, the foundation’s conservation technology coordinator.
Sole purpose
Operating in 21 African countries, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is the only organisation dedicated solely to giraffe conservation.
It plays a vital role in developing and implementing national and regional conservation strategies in collaboration with governments and stakeholders.
So far, 14 countries have adopted such strategies, demonstrating that coordinated, science-based conservation is effective.
“This new data calls for an urgent reassessment of giraffes on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and renewed attention from international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Each species deserves tailored protection. One-size-fits-all will not save them,” said Fennessy.
In 2016, giraffes were uplisted from Least Concern to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. With the release of the State of Giraffe 2025 report, there is now a strong case for listing three of the four species as endangered or vulnerable.
The foundation said that these new trends provide hope, but the threat of silent extinction remains.
