Three giraffe subspecies, including the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffe, are being proposed for addition to the endangered species list in the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also proposed listing the reticulated giraffe and Masai giraffe as threatened. The decline in giraffe populations is attributed to poaching, habitat loss, climate change, and other threats such as human population growth and urbanization. Listing these giraffe subspecies as endangered would help reduce illegal hunting and trade by requiring permits to import giraffes into the U.S. It would also increase funding for conservation efforts and research in their range countries. Since 1985, the populations of West African, Kordofan, and Nubian giraffes have declined by 77%, with only 690 West African giraffes remaining. Reticulated giraffes and Masai giraffes are also facing population declines. Giraffes, known for being the tallest terrestrial animals, primarily feed on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit and are adaptable to various habitats. The proposal to list these giraffe subspecies as endangered is open for public comment for 90 days. The goal of listing them as endangered is to protect the vulnerable species, support biodiversity, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices, while ensuring that the U.S. does not contribute further to their decline.
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