The global giraffe population has declined by 36 to 40% since 1986. This shocking rate of decline has led to giraffes being listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
This means that giraffes are "facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future".
There are an estimated 98,000 giraffes left in Africa today.
The rapid decline in giraffe numbers is a result of several factors, including human population growth, habitat loss, hunting/poaching, and agriculture.
The species has also been under-represented in wildlife conservation activities and initiatives.
However, ongoing collaboratove efforts have demonstrated the urgent conservation attention required, and new initiatives are being implemented.