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Giraffes are on the endangered watch list, but not on the endangered list, even though they are close to extinction.

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Placed on the watch list in April 2019 with 9 months to declare endangered.

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The tan shows the giraffe population in the 1700's.(www.nrdc.org)

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The various colors represent the different species of giraffes. As you can see, there is a considerable loss to the giraffe population.(www.nrdc.org)

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Sudan, which was home to some 13,000 giraffes in the early 1980s, now shelters a population numbering only in the hundreds; its war has increased wildlife trafficking and poaching. In the face of ever-growing pressure on their livelihoods, some Sudanese have also turned to giraffe bushmeat as a means of survival.(www.nrdc.org)

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which updated its Red List of Threatened Species in November, has highlighted the plight of giraffes - those goofy, long-legged animals that are so symbolic of the African savanna.

Two out of nine subspecies of giraffe are listed by IUCN as critically endangered, while others are considered endangered, vulnerable and near threatened.

It is the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes that are "critically endangered". These animals range across South Sudan and southwest Ethiopia (Nubian giraffe) and Cameroon, southern Chad, Central African Republic and the west of Sudan (Kordofan giraffe). All of these countries in Central and East Africa have been devastated by lengthy civil wars, extended droughts, or both.

The Reticulated giraffe, which lives in the rain forests, forests and savannahs of East Africa is listed as endangered, while Thornicroft's giraffe, which lives in one national park in Zambia, is listed as vulnerable. The Masai giraffe has not been assessed by IUCN, but conservationists believe that numbers have plummeted and it will likely be placed within one of the threatened categories of the Red List in future.

In southern Africa, however, giraffes seem to have found a refuge. The Angolan giraffe, which ranges across Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe is not in trouble and is listed by IUCN as being of "least concern". The South African giraffe also appears to be doing well, although its population has not been assessed.

"Whilst giraffe are commonly seen on safari, in the media and in zoos, people - including conservationists - are unaware that these majestic animals are undergoing a silent extinction," said Dr Julian Fennessy, co-chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Giraffe & Okapi Specialist Group.

"While giraffe populations in southern Africa are doing just fine, the world's tallest animal is under severe pressure in some of its core ranges across East, Central and West Africa. It may come as a shock that three of the currently recognised nine subspecies are now considered 'critically endangered' or 'endangered', but we have been sounding the alarm for a few years now."

Fennessey welcomed the improved conservation status of the West African and Rothschild's giraffe subspecies that were previously considered endangered but have been downlisted to vulnerable and near threatened, respectively. Concerted efforts by African governments and conservation organisations have led to in increasing numbers of both subspecies.

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Some giraffe subspecies are at risk of extinction - Political Animal Lobby

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which updated its Red List of Threatened Species in November, has highlighted the plight of giraffes - those goofy, long-legged animals that are so symbolic of the African savanna. Two out of nine subspecies of giraffe are listed by IUCN as critically endangered, while others are considered endangered, vulnerable and near threatened.

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Loss of habitats threatens survival for Giraffes.

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Loss of habitats threatens survival for Giraffes.

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The conversion of woodlands into farms and ranches. Charcoal is another challenge: Africa’s charcoal industry is booming, with many Africans making their living harvesting trees and burning the wood to form the lumpy black fuel. While this cottage industry is a boon to many low-income workers, it’s a problem for giraffes, who rely on those trees for sustenance. (www.nrdc.org)

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The robust international trade in giraffes and their parts—a trade in which the United States plays a significant role—is a major factor in the species’ decline. 

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The robust international trade in giraffes and their parts—a trade in which the United States plays a significant role—is a major factor in the species’ decline. 

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At any given moment, even a modestly savvy internet shopper can find thousands of products made from giraffe parts online. One of the biggest sellers is giraffe bone, which has become a replacement for elephant ivory in knife and gun handles. Giraffe-hide rugs and clothing are also common, as are taxidermied body parts.

It’s important to acknowledge the iconic mammals are a favorite trophy target of hunters traveling to Africa; U.S. hunters imported 3,744 dead giraffes between 2006 and 2015. Given that fact, plus the alarmingly vigorous trade in giraffe parts in the United States, endangered status would trigger several important protections for the species.(www.nrdc.org)

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These Rare Giraffes Were Killed Just for Their Tails (Exclusive Video) | National Geographic

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Giraffes one step closer to being named endangered species

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Giraffes Could Soon Be Endangered Due to Their Dwindling Populations

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Support organizations, like NRDC, that are fighting to save giraffes, as well as on-the-ground organizations like the Giraffe Conservation Fund. And contact your representatives in Congress to let them know that you are concerned about the silent extinction crisis facing giraffes. Members of Congress have a direct line of communication with decision makers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who have the power to grant protection to giraffes. Calls from their constituents will encourage them to pick up their own phones to help save these majestic animals.(www.nrdc.org)