Giraffe Extinction: Using Science and Technology to Save the Gentle Giants

by Tanya Anderson

Quietly, without most people noticing, the population of giraffes in the wild has decreased by nearly 40 percent since 1985. Giraffes have disappeared entirely from seven countries where they used to live. Researchers believe fewer than 98,000 exist in the wild—fewer even than endangered African elephants. In 2016, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature added giraffes to the organization's Red List of Threatened Species. What is causing their disappearance? Overpopulation of humans in giraffe habitats and illegal poaching. Learn about giraffes' physical characteristics, habitats, and life cycles; examine the dangers they face from humans and climate change; and meet the scientists working to save these gentle giants using technology and conservation efforts.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think of endangered animals, the giraffe is certainly not one that comes to mind. Yet, these gentle creatures are indeed in danger of extinction. This book clearly defines the different types of giraffe (and in the back of the book there are pictures to tell them all apart) and also explains how they have gotten into such a precarious position. It is a combination of factors, caused by humans, and so it is up to humans using science and technology to save them as well. The good news is that this is possible; it's not too late. This 128 page book packs in a lot of information about giraffes, how we have learned about them, what has happened to them, and how we can help them.
Full color pictures, maps, charts, graphs. A few of the pictures are heart-breaking as the giraffes are shown as trophies with big game hunters. There are text boxes, "did you know?" fact features, and case studies. Back matter includes the giraffe guide to the 9 subspecies of giraffes; a glossary; source notes; selected bibliography; a comprehensive section for further research that includes books, documentaries, and websites; index; and photo credits.

[Terra Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't resist this book when I saw it in the New section at my local library. Giraffes are my favorite! I learned much about their plight as well as the variety of species and subspecies. The book was a good mix of facts and narrative. I came to realize in reading this that there is still so much to be learned about these magnificent creatures.