Conservationists warn of Somali Giraffe extinction amid rising poaching in North Eastern

Conservationists are sounding the alarm over the imminent threat of extinction facing Somali (reticulated) giraffes in Northeastern Kenya, as poaching continues to rise at an alarming rate. The North-Eastern Wildlife Conservancies Association (NECA) reports that 87 giraffes have been killed by poachers in the first six months of this year alone.

The Conservationists fear that this number could exceed 100 by the end of the year.

NECA which is a coalition of over 30 community wildlife conservancies in northeastern Kenya, has observed a troubling trend. The organization estimates that nearly 50 Somali giraffes were poached annually between 2021 and 2022.

Sharmake Mohamed, CEO of NECA, while highlighting the growing severity of the poaching crisis, noted that the local rangers estimate around 11 giraffes being killed each day across the counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, primarily for their meat.

"The survival of Somali giraffes, ostriches, and other species in our landscape is at stake. We must act now to protect our wildlife heritage," Sharmake noted.

He attributed the surge in poaching to a thriving illegal cross-border trade in game meat and the significant refugee population in the region, which is driving the demand for reticulated giraffes and Somali ostriches.

NECA has issued a call to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take urgent measures to prevent the potential extinction of these animals.

"This illicit trade is perpetrated by both refugees and some residents. A significant portion of giraffe and ostrich meat and eggs is being smuggled into Somalia, with suspicions that some of it is being delivered to Al Shabab militants," Mr. Mohamed said. "The rest of the game meat is sold locally in the villages, while some are transported to Nairobi."

The illegal trade is also driven by the high demand for game meat in Somalia, where it is reportedly sold for over Sh1,000 per kilogramme. Myths that giraffe meat has medicinal properties are also contributing to the demand.

In a recent incident, two poachers responsible for killing around 80 giraffes in Wajir and Garissa this year were apprehended last month.

Despite these arrests, Sharmake emphasized that community conservancy staff are struggling to manage the increasing illegal activities. He underscored the urgent need for an enhanced KWS presence in the region.

The reticulated giraffe is a unique subspecies of giraffe indigenous to the Horn of Africa. It is distinguished from other giraffe species by its distinctive coat pattern, characterized by large, polygonal, block-like spots that extend to the lower legs, tail, and face.