Annual Report 2019/20 Note from the GCF Directors: 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of the giraffe in the wild throughout Africa. As Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) giraffe conservation gains more airtime since it was officially registered as the first- internationally, new players enter the ever giraffe conservation charity in conservation stage, which can only be the world. beneficial for giraffe and their future in Africa. Even so, no other organisation Message from the This is an appropriate occasion for us covers the same geographical and technical to reflect on what has been achieved breadth of giraffe conservation as GCF GCF Board Chair with regard to giraffe conservation and does throughout the African continent. on how much GCF has grown during its first decade. Our team now comprises 19 And so, we will continue with what we 2019 marks a decade of the Giraffe people, who are based in six countries. do best: working with a wide range of Conservation Foundation (GCF) GCF works on, manages and supports partners towards a sustainable future for making a difference in saving some giraffe conservation initiatives that concern all giraffe populations in Africa. We take of the most majestic mammals on all four species of giraffe in 15 African this opportunity to thank all of you for the planet. When I first visited Julian countries. Giraffe conservation is now being your continued support, partnership and and Steph Fennessy in Windhoek, guided by National Giraffe Conservation friendship. Thank you for sticking your Namibia, GCF was mostly a concept – Strategies and Action Plans in four African necks out for giraffe conservation in Africa an idea – that had been developed by countries, which were all developed with during this last year. a few very passionate people who had the support of GCF. Our work has an impact recognised the plight of giraffe and set on over 171,000 km2 (42 million acres) of Together we #StandTallForGiraffe – out to do something about it. giraffe habitat and we have supported the because if we don’t, no one else will! successful translocation of over 100 giraffe, Steph & Julian Not only has GCF now brought which has effectively increased giraffe the plight of giraffe to the world’s habitat in Africa by over 21,000 km2 Fennessy attention, this small team and its (5.1 million acres). partners have made a phenomenal conservation difference over the These are impressive numbers and the last decade in expanding our achievement of them is certainly something knowledge of giraffe species and to be proud of. There is no doubt that their distribution throughout Africa. In GCF is having a positive impact on giraffe addition to education and awareness and their habitat in Africa. But this is not programmes, the team is now active the time to rest on our laurels as there is in giraffe conservation in 15 countries, so much more to do. The more we learn where they provide technical, financial about giraffe, even if it is the most basic as well as hands-on conservation information concerning their numbers and support. distribution, the more we realise that so much more is needed. Giraffe and other wildlife continue to face immense pressures throughout the entire African continent. Yours Sincerely, We certainly have our work cut out for us. Giraffe need our support now and our work Till Hollmann needs to continue, particularly in the less Chair of the GCF Board glamorous and more hostile locations in Central, East and West Africa where the northern, reticulated and Masai giraffe are under real threat. GCF remains the only organisation in the world that concentrates solely on the conservation and management of

Cover: Credit: © AVD - stock.adobe.com About GCF 1

Board of Directors 2 The Giraffe Conservation Staff Complement 3 Foundation (GCF) is the only organisation in the world that Key Conservation Partners 5 Programmes & Projects in Africa 7 concentrates solely on the conservation and management Giraffe Action Fund 15 of giraffe in the wild Twiga Tracker 17 throughout Africa. Capacity Building 19 Wildlife Capture Exchange 20

Education Materials 21

Scientific Publications 22 United under a common goal, GCF is a family of organisations consisting of GCF Trust (Namibia), Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP) 23 GCF-USA (Florida, USA), GCF-East Africa (Kenya Operation Twiga IV and Uganda) and Freunde von GCF (Germany). Giraffe return to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve 25 All organisations are legally and financially separate Uganda: De-Snaring Monitoring at a Glance 27 entities, working under the umbrella of GCF. Their shared commitment to a sustainable future Hot spot on Tanzania: Masai giraffe are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List 29 for all giraffe populations in the wild is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding. Giraffe Conservation Science Symposium & International Conventions 30

GCF Financial Summary 31

Donors 33

Contact 36

Above: Together we #StandTallForGiraffe. Credit: © Effect of Darkness - stock.adobe.com ABOUT GCF Board Who is GCF What drives GCF? of Directors Our organisational structure has recently • An international science-based conser- • To be a bold, independent organisation undergone several vation organisation that provides inno- • To not be regimented exciting changes, vative approach to save giraffe in including the • To be disciplined and ‘always on’ the wild. expansion of our • To be an open book • The go-to organisation for giraffe con- Board of Directors in servation that is proactive and reactive, • To not over-promise the USA in order to with a strong collaborative and dynamic • To be passionate introduce new skills team working within a network of part- and to explore new • To not be afraid of pushing boundaries ners on all levels. opportunities. We • To be open-minded and flexible take this opportunity • The leader in supporting a sustainable to express our sincere • To be adaptable future for giraffe in/and their natural appreciation and gratitude to habitats. • To build trustworthy partnerships Kathy and Tom Leiden, who were • An organisation that will continue to or- and relationships both instrumental in establishing ganically grow and increase awareness GCF in the USA. Without their to save giraffe in the wild. support, dedication and passion, we would not be where we are today. Although Kathy has recently ‘retired’ from the board, we are pleased that Tom will stay on and continue to GCF Objectives & Principle Activities provide advice despite having stepped down as the chair and president. We GCF is dedicated to a sustainable future for excitedly welcome the new members to all giraffe populations in the wild. the GCF-USA Board of Directors, and we look forward to working closely with them • GCF’s objective is to raise awareness and support towards securing a future for to continue our important conservation giraffe and the conservation of their habitat in Africa, and more specifically to: work in Africa. GCF’s multi-national board includes professionals who represent • support the conservation of viable and existing habitat for giraffe; seven countries and four continents, as • identify key threats to giraffe in Africa and develop innovative ways to well as diverse business profiles. mitigate these; The Board of Directors includes • raise awareness of and promote the value of giraffe conservation in African the following members: Range States as well as internationally; • plan, develop, implement and administer projects and programmes – including Julian Fennessy the appointment of project staff – in support of its primary aim, in co-operation Till Hollmann with local communities and partner institutions, as appropriate; Tom Leiden • collaborate with local, national and international partners on giraffe conservation Chris Kelsch efforts in the interests of giraffe conservation in African Range States; and David O’Connor Melle Orford • raise funds for giraffe conservation and management throughout Africa. Above: Did you know that giraffe ‘horns’ are Lindy van den Bosch not horns at all, but ‘ossicones’? Ossicones are lumps of soft cartilage which, in later life, ossify and fuse to the skull. They are believed to aid thermoregulation. Credit: © davidezanon - Adobe Stock 1 2 Nairobi (Kenya): Arthur Muneza (Right), East Africa Coordinator Saving giraffe is a team effort and working with local Matthew Muruana Wachira (Left), and international partners is key. GCF’s multi-national Programme Officer team includes people from 16 countries and four continents. Our team supports giraffe conservation Front Royal (USA): initiatives in 15 culturally diverse African countries. Dr Michael Butler Brown, Conservation Science Fellow The following map presents GCF’s international team.

FRONT ROYAL

Niamey (Niger): Souley Kouato Larwanou (Left), Administrator Cloe Pourchier (Centre), Technical Coordinator Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou (Right), Murchison Falls NP (Uganda): Programme Officer Dr Sara Ferguson, NIAMEY Uganda Conservation Coordinator Dr Patrick Okello, Wildlife Veterinarian

MURCHISON FALLS

NAIROBI

Windhoek (Namibia): Front: Maria Pimenta Shaetonhodi, Finance & Operations Manager; Claire Gall, Administrator Middle: Naemi Antonius, Bulawayo (Zimbabwe): Senior Environmental Educator; NW NAMIBIA BULAWAYO Livingstone ‘Livi’ Hoda, Petrus ‘Audi’ Ekandjo, Conservation Researcher Environmental Educator; Northwest (Namibia): Martha Haukongo, Katie Ahl, (Left) Environmental Educator; Conservation Researcher WINDHOEK Steph Fennessy, Emma Wells, (Right) Co-Founder & Director Conservation Researcher Back: Dr Julian Fennessy, Co-Founder & Director; Mate, Chief Happiness Officer; Kudawashe Mbaiwa, Finance Assistant

3 4 KEY CONSERVATION PARTNERS Working with partners is the core of GCF’s values and conservation approach. Over the past years we have forged numerous key conservation partnerships around the world, particularly throughout Africa. We are proud to work closely with our partners towards saving giraffe in the wild. For this year, as there are too many, there is only enough space to highlight the following key conservation partners – although all of you are just as important:

Above: GCF is a small organisation with a big impact. Together with our partners, we can save this gentle giants across their range. Credit: Riz Mo - Pixabay 5 6 PROGRAMMES & PROJECTS cultural values of wildlife in the and other conservation the Zambian Carnivore region. In Kenya, the majority of partners. This programme Programme. This long- in wildlife lives outside protected will eventually provide term support includes the areas, and giraffe occur across crucial management continued analysis of a community lands. These recommendations for 10-year database, ongoing realities highlight the need for conservation authorities in field data collection and a better understanding of the East Africa, especially in giraffe monitoring, and Over the past decade, GCF, together with our partner Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research human dimensions of wildlife relation to the potential risk de-snaring to mitigate Centre (BiK-F), performed the first-ever comprehensive DNA sampling and analysis study of all major conservation in order to create of GSD crossing over to the snaring ‘bycatch’ on natural populations of giraffe throughout their range in Africa. As a result, an update of the traditional taxonomy now exists. This study revealed that there are four distinct species of giraffe: Masai giraffe the baselines for policies that livestock and other wildlife. giraffe. This long-term promote the coexistence of partnership has been (Giraffa tippelskirchi), northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata), and In Zambia, we continue to southern giraffe (G. giraffa). Nubian giraffe (G. c. camelopardalis), Kordofan giraffe (G. c. antiquorum), wildlife and communities that instrumental in supporting provide long-term support and West African giraffe (G. c. peralta) are the three subspecies of the northern giraffe, while Angolan share the landscape. urgent conservation actions to the three-pronged giraffe (G. g. angolensis) and South African giraffe (G. g. giraffa) fall under the southern giraffe. on the ground for this In collaboration with the conservation and research Rothschild’s giraffe is genetically identical to the Nubian giraffe, and thus subsumed into it. Similarly, the geographically isolated Tanzania Wildlife Research approach for the Luangwa Luangwa giraffe is genetically similar to the Masai giraffe, but possibly a separate subspecies population in Zambia’s Institute (TAWIRI) and Tanzania (Masai) giraffe, which (G. t. thornicrofti). Based on this research, GCF refers to the updated giraffe taxonomy of four species in Luangwa Valley. all conservation and management efforts. National Parks Authority is being carried out by (TANAPA), we deployed the The following presents a brief overview of the conservation work that focused on these first-ever GPS satellite tags four species during this financial year: (ossi-units) on Masai giraffe in Tanzania in early 2020. In total, MASAI GIRAFFE we deployed 11 ossi-units: four Masai giraffe, which were once the most more than half of the Masai Mara in the Tarangire National Park numerous in the wild, were listed as Ecosystem, where 2,674 individual and seven in the Serengeti Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2019 giraffe were identified. This partial count National Park. This multifaceted after suffering a significant decline. Masai is already higher than previous estimates programme is part of a broader giraffe are a priority species for GCF in for the entire ecosystem. It is anticipated collaboration to implement the East Africa. We continue to support the that this number will increase as our recently launched Tanzania Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) with the work continues in additional parts of the Giraffe Conservation Action implementation of the National Recovery Masai Mara. Throughout the surveys, Plan 2020-2024, whereby and Action Plan for Giraffe in Kenya (2018- limited signs of predation attempts, the ossi-units will be used to 2022), which includes facilitating their snare injuries or giraffe skin disease monitor the movement of both annual Masai Giraffe Range Committee (GSD) were observed. This is surprising healthy giraffe and individuals Meeting (which includes a range of as the ecosystem is contiguous with the that manifest external symptoms stakeholders from the country) in order Serengeti Ecosystem in Tanzania, where of GSD. we have observed a high prevalence to review actions and highlight priority The long-term aim of this rate of such impacts. actions for Masai giraffe conservation. One collaborative conservation of the key threats identified and discussed Building on our relationship with programme is to determine in detail was the impact of habitat loss and Wildlife Works in southern Kenya, the etiological agent of GSD land fragmentation, which restricts and we conducted an expansive human so as to better understand the fragments giraffe movement throughout dimensions study on the perceptions of pathophysiology of the disease, much of their range. and attitudes toward giraffe and other and to determine whether Even though the Masai Mara Ecosystem wildlife in communities that are situated there is any relationship is a hotspot for Masai giraffe, certain adjacent to the Tsavo East and Tsavo between GSD in Tanzania and threats do exist. This year, together with West National Parks. We are planning Uganda, where we collected our partners, we conducted the first-ever to link this study with demographic samples and analysing data in photographic mark-recapture surveys of and available land-use data in order collaboration with the Uganda Masai giraffe. So far we have surveyed to assess the socio-economic and Wildlife Authority (UWA)

Right: ‘Necking’ is a ritualised flighting behaviour of giraffe, observed mainly in 7 male giraffe to establish dominance. 8 Credit: Akshay Vishwanath / GCF NORTHERN GIRAFFE Northern giraffe consist of three subspecies As part of our larger Twiga Tracker Initiative well. They are regularly giraffe conservation in which occur across East and Central Africa and and our ongoing commitment to securing a monitored by our local the country. in a small pocket of West Africa. These giraffe future for West African giraffe in Niger, GCF Tuareg community giraffe The Zakouma NP are in the greatest peril: their numbers are low, and partners fitted 16 West African giraffe with eco-guards, who observe in Chad is home to and they are located in a geo-political hotspot solar-powered GPS satellite ossi-units in 2019. them continuously approximately two where serious threats to the surrounding natural These ossi-units will track their movements exploring their habitat. thirds of the world’s resources are ongoing. Our supporting work, and assess their habitat use over time. This With the long-term aim to wild Kordofan giraffe together with our partners, is slowly starting to programme was supported by a grant from secure a future for West population. As part of the make inroads into improved conservation efforts the IUCN Save Our Species, co-funded by African giraffe in Niger of the northern giraffe. We continue to increase the European Union and other conservation where they can live safe first-ever conservation research efforts on our support for all three subspecies of the partners. With the help of this new technology, and sound for generations Kordofan giraffe in the northern giraffe in a concerted effort to help save we are learning a lot of fascinating details to come, we hope to Above: There are only about 2,000 Kordofan giraffe country, our collaborative these giraffe that need it most. about giraffe spatial dynamics. We are seeing follow-up with a second remaining in the wild. This subspecies is considered rather large home ranges compared with translocation soon. ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. Credit: GCF field programme with the Kordofan Giraffe giraffe populations in many other parts of West African giraffe live only in Niger. Their Project and African Parks has provided us with Africa. As the West African giraffe live in the There are an estimated 2,000 Critically population continues to expand in both number some of the most interesting results during the human-dominated agricultural landscape Endangered Kordofan giraffe remaining in (now an estimated 664) and range. Our targeted of the Sahelian zone, their movements and the wild and they occur in many of Central first year of GPS satellite tracking. According to anecdotal evidence of giraffe (and other wildlife) field and strategic conservation efforts are habitat use are most likely driven by aridity Africa’s geo-political hotspots, making conducted in close collaboration with the habitat use in the area, they did not leave the and habitat fragmentation. We also see that it challenging to operate in these areas. Government of Niger, the Sahara Conservation park boundaries, despite the absence of fences. some giraffe walk more than others, which is However, we continued to increase our Fund, Wild Africa Conservation, and the local However, the tagged giraffe clearly showed probably just personal preference. In 2019, support to Kordofan giraffe during this NGO community. During the past year, we have that several of them regularly exited the park’s one giraffe walked all the way to the west, past year. continued to use our science-based approach boundaries to the north, east and west, providing close to the Nigerian border, only to return the to support the monitoring of the population and We provide ongoing support to giraffe valuable information on where to focus future very next day – a 160 km round-trip in less to learn more about giraffe-human relationships conservation and management in the targeted conservation efforts. Distinct differences than a week! This giraffe was most likely a in the communities that share their living space Garamba National Park (NP) in the in movements between wet and dry seasons were curious individual looking for greener pastures. with giraffe. Democratic Republic of Congo. This is observed. While some giraffe utilised the same

one of the many conservation areas where area year-round, others travelled further during Since establishing a satellite population in the GCF provides targeted giraffe conservation We have recently adapted and trialled new Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve in late 2018, we the wet season. It is most likely that flooding in the support to the African Parks Network, an park made it necessary for them to move further survey methods which will, before long, allow have continued to monitor the population on a NGO that manages protected areas in us to monitor the population more accurately. weekly basis, and we have supported ongoing afield, despite abundant forage opportunities close collaboration with the government and throughout the area. It is possible that giraffe in These improved giraffe outreach throughout local communities. The Garamba NP has the Zakouma NP do not exhibit extreme seasonal estimates will feed into the community to seen a further (albeit slow) increase in the movements or distinct habitat use shifts, but we adaptive management ensure that the eight population, which is currently estimated at will need more data to determine this measures, which will focus re-introduced giraffe 62 individuals – an almost 300% increase over time. particularly on their range are safe. An additional from a low of 22 individuals in 2012. This expansion in the country. Our objective of this Across northern Cameroon, Kordofan giraffe population was on the verge of local ongoing bi-annual surveys programme is to gain have persisted in a small number of distinct extinction, but ongoing monitoring and anti- continue. These surveys are a better understanding populations. Our initial efforts this year consisted poaching support, guided by the Garamba conducted in collaboration of their value from a of targeted support to Sekakoh, a local National Park Giraffe Conservation Strategy with many local partners, tourism perspective, Cameroonian NGO, in order to better assess and Action Plan, is showing success. GCF including the Association as well as their social numbers, distribution and habitat use, as well is excited about having valuably contributed for the Valorisation of the and cultural context in as to develop better relationships with the local to this conservation effort over the years. In Ecotourism in Niger (AVEN), an area where giraffe people living with giraffe in and around the February 2020, we supported African Parks who also raise awareness occurred historically but Benoue NP. We facilitated opportunities for the with local communities to became locally extinct with the fitting of three giraffe GPS satellite team on the ground to meet with local chiefs and tags (ossi-units) to female giraffe to help help reduce human-giraffe some 50 years ago. We administration, as well as community managers better understand their spatial movements, conflict. are excited to report that and concession holders in areas where giraffe and to directly monitor them with regard to Right: Once widely distributed all the giraffe are doing still persist. This was not an easy task in these from Nigeria to Senegal, today anti-poaching efforts. These tagged giraffe troubled times. The team reported that the West African giraffe only occur will provide invaluable information for further 9 in Niger. Credit: GCF 10 giraffe in the Benoue NP and around the Lake Mburo NP is expanding shows a population increase of ~20% from appear very wary, which – just like the giraffe population. The bi-weekly recent years. The Lake Nakuru NP has the third is most likely a developed monitoring of the Nubian giraffe population that largest Nubian giraffe population in Kenya after behaviour through having was re-introduced to the park in 2015 most the Ruma NP (~275) and Soysambu Wildlife to avoid local people due likely constitutes the most detailed monitoring Conservancy (~134). Slowly but surely, the to conflict. Preliminary of a translocated giraffe population in the wild. KWS teams are becoming better equipped and findings show that they skilled for monitoring the Nubian giraffe in the prefer African mahogany, GEAR has increased its profile and education reach throughout the year by promoting their country, which will ultimately lead towards better which is an ever-green work on local radio talk shows, which have protection. tree that cattle herders become very popular. The team continues often prune to feed to their to take school children from surrounding livestock. The conflict with communities and schools on educational visits herders appears prominent into the park. This initiative carries amazing as the giraffe avoid these value as it increases conservation awareness, pruned trees, making co- and it instils the feeling of ownership of existence in the same area Above: The Nubian giraffe is the nominate subspecies, which means that because it was the first Uganda’s giraffe in the next generation. We are difficult. We hope that our specimen recorded, its Latin subspecies name is the same as the original species described: proud to say that our collaborative efforts in the continued work with local Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis. Credit: GCF Lake Mburo NP have been successful, as the and government partners increase in numbers from 15 to 26 in the last in Cameroon will translocation of 81 giraffe, who have, collectively, four years speaks volumes. help with their long-term conservation. given birth to 30 new calves – a 37% growth! In the Murchison Falls NP, we are directly Our Nubian giraffe programme in Kenya The Critically Endangered Nubian giraffe involved with and support one of the largest continues to support the National Giraffe population continues to grow in numbers, anti-poaching and de-snaring programmes in Recovery and Action Plan. GCF continues especially in Kenya and Uganda, through targeted the country. This is an enormous effort towards to work with the Kenya Wildlife Service conservation efforts that are guided by the National curbing the tide of illegal activities. Regular (KWS) in driving a targeted Nubian giraffe Giraffe Conservation Strategies/Recovery Plans. patrols for snared giraffe (and other wildlife) Action Plan and assisting with its review and The development and implementation of these and technical and physical support for quick implementation. In the field, coordinated in Below: The average male giraffe plans continues to be supported directly by GCF. stands at 5.3 m or 17 ft 4 in. The veterinary interventions are our core actions close collaboration with our partners the African While we currently do not have any active giraffe average height for female giraffe towards reducing the impact of wire snares. Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and KWS, is 4.3 m or 14 ft 2 in. conservation programmes in Ethiopia and South our team continued to survey and monitor the Credit: © Friedemeier - Adobestock.com Sudan, we continue to hold discussions with These actions facilitate the early identification and removal of snares, ideally before any damage various populations in the country. As part of partners in these countries to ensure that giraffe occurs, and they provide appropriate treatment this work, the team trained the local wildlife remain on their conservation agendas. It appears and supportive care. See De-snaring Monitoring partners and authorities in field conservation that giraffe populations in both countries at a Glance for more details. science, particularly regarding the use of the remain stable. pattern recognition software as a valuable Giraffe continue to thrive across their range management tool for giraffe. By individually As a critical programme for GCF and Nubian in Uganda, including in the Pian Upe Wildlife giraffe, our conservation efforts in Uganda identifying giraffe, the KWS rangers in the Mwea Reserve where the first individuals were re- continued to expand in support of local capacity National Reserve can now routinely monitor introduced in late 2019 after an absence of their welfare, social dynamics, and foraging building, population monitoring, anti-poaching, over 25 years. Read more about this exciting and environmental education. Importantly, all behaviour. As some giraffe have recently been and rewarding conservation success story in translocated into this reserve, our team helped conservation efforts in the country are undertaken in Operation Twiga IV: Giraffe return to the Pian Upe KWS to figure out the ‘new’ and ‘old’ giraffe line with the National Giraffe Conservation Strategy Wildlife Reserve. Six months on, we are happy and Action Plan for Uganda. Our team in Uganda by using older images to identify the animals to report that all of the giraffe are doing well. that had been previously recorded. Together now boasts two full-time wildlife veterinarians, They are exploring their new home and they are including a local Ugandan, who together support a the team developed survey methods and showing an interest in one another. Stay tuned for protocols, which have already helped with the range of field initiatives throughout the country. an upcoming update on giraffe numbers in the identification of nine new-born giraffe – what a Over the past five years we have supported the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. nice, quick success! Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) with the expansion In partnership with the UWA and Kacheera of the Nubian giraffe’s range in the country by over In the Lake Nakuru NP, our detailed Camp, our ongoing support to the local Giraffe photographic mark-recapture surveys of 1.52 million acres (6,150 km2), and the successful Education and Research (GEAR) programme in Nubian giraffe throughout the year identified 11 113 individuals (predominantly females), which 10 12 RETICULATED GIRAFFE SOUTHERN GIRAFFE In northern Kenya, the reticulated giraffe population threats that giraffe (and other wildlife) face in The southern giraffe, which includes both Environmental education and building the are rebounding from an estimated decline of the region, and through our extensive networks the Angolan and South African subspecies, capacity of the country’s future leaders approximately 50% over the last 30 years. To and partnerships we are working towards better make up more than half of Africa’s giraffe remains an important part of our Namibia better understand their numbers and range, we conservation of this population. population today. While not threatened, programme. Read more in Khomas have partnered closely with the Kenya Wildlife these giraffe are critical for the long-term Environmental Education Programme (KEEP). Service (KWS), San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG), and In late 2019, GCF, in collaboration with the SDZG, conservation and survival of giraffe in This year we started getting more active other local and international partners (Northern SCBI, KWS, Northern Rangeland Trust, Loisaba Africa. With our head office in Namibia, in Zimbabwe. Our conservation support Rangeland Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Conservancy, Mpala and a host of other community GCF has a very active giraffe conservation was formalised by signing a Memorandum Loisaba Conservancy, and Smithsonian conservancies, fitted 28 reticulated giraffe with programme in the country. Our programme of Understanding (MoU) with ZimParks to Conservation Institute of Biology, Senckenberg GPS satellite tags. These giraffe have already in northwest Namibia is the longest-running provide better giraffe conservation and BiK-F). Through this initiative, GCF plays a valuable travelled over 16,000 km, a distance that included giraffe conservation monitoring and research management support throughout the country. role in encouraging community-based conservation considerable overlaps with areas inhabited by programme in the world, and its location in We initiated a number of activities in the efforts within the reticulated giraffe range. As part people and livestock. Home ranges for males communal conservation areas makes it even country, including a broad DNA sampling of this initiative, Twiga Walinzi (Swahili for Giraffe appear significantly greater than for females. This more special. Our team conducts regular field programme to assess which subspecies of Guards) work across a large landscape in northern data shows potentially critical crossing points, surveys and remotely follows a number of the Southern giraffe occurs in all the major Kenya to monitor the reticulated giraffe population, which is invaluable information with regard to the GPS satellite-tagged giraffe in order to better parks, reserves and conservancies. This and to provide valuable education and awareness advice and recommendations that can be imparted understand their ecology and movements. information is important for informing future support to the local communities. Increased to the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport Information that has been gathered during giraffe conservation programmes in the support for reticulated giraffe conservation is Corridor (LAPSSET) project concerning the this long-term programme helps us to inform country. Similar to Mozambique, Namibia and important, and this is provided through a multi- expansion of roads. giraffe conservation efforts all over Africa South Africa, the documented history of giraffe faceted approach to reduce poaching, better Overall, it appears that reticulated giraffe numbers as we continue to learn more about these translocations within Zimbabwe and between understand local perceptions, and assess spatial are stabilising in some areas and increasing in amazing animals. Zimbabwe and the aforementioned countries ecology, numbers and range. As most of the others. While there is no doubt that threats continue As with the majority of our programmes, is limited. This information will most likely also world’s wild reticulated giraffe occur in Kenya, to exist, particularly in the north-east with reports working with partners is key. In Namibia, we have an impact on the long term conservation it is therefore an important landscape to protect of poaching, community-based, private and collaborate closely with the Namibia University status (and subsequent management) of the collaboratively with its people. During the last government conservation efforts are hopefully of Science and Technology and students Angolan and South African giraffe. six-months no reticulated giraffe mortalities or turning the tide towards a rosier future for this with regard to new opportunities. One of poaching incidences were recorded. This is Working closely with the Save Valley giraffe species. these opportunities includes our ongoing positive news, and hopefully a direct by-product of Conservancy, the first GPS satellite tags support with the assessment of the potential all the hard work over many years. (ossi-units) were fitted to 13 giraffe in to translocate giraffe Zimbabwe. Regular Together with SDZG, our back into their former updates on the movement team visited the Mugie range in the Iona NP of these individuals, Wildlife Conservancy in Angola. A feasibility especially within the to provide dedicated assessment compiled Sango area, are showing support and to train by a local MSc student interesting results. A new the local rangers and appears promising, and PhD collaboration with the researchers on how to use targeted community Stellenbosch University the pattern recognition interviews also showed in South Africa, which software for giraffe great local interest. involves a comparative monitoring. The Mugie We hope that this study with other areas in Wildlife Conservancy is project builds up to the Zimbabwe, will help to an important habitat for opportunity of bringing better understand giraffe wildlife in the Laikipia Angolan giraffe back ecology and movements landscape; however, it is to former areas and/ in the conservancy. under real threat as it is or augmenting current unfenced and bisected populations in both by a main road that is set Angola and Namibia. to be upgraded. These Left: The Reticulated giraffe has a relatively limited distribution across are two of the many northern and north-eastern Kenya, Left: Southern giraffe are widely and small restricted populations most distributed throughout Southern likely persist in southern Somalia and Africa and their numbers continue southern Ethiopia. Credit: GCF to increase. Credit: GCF 13 14 GIRAFFE ACTION FUND

GCF is a science-based organisation and Each of these actions encourages new we are committed to giraffe conservation levels of collaboration, partnerships action. We often say, “There is always and networking among and between NIGER CHAD more we can learn about giraffe, but by governments, local and international the time we know everything about them, organisations, conservationists, and there might just not be any left in Africa to donors. They can extend across different save.” As such, GCF is committed to imple- land management types that are suitable menting giraffe conservation actions based for giraffe conservation. These different UGANDA ETHIOPIA on the best science available at the time. land management types include The Giraffe Action Fund (GAF) was estab- protected areas, forestry lands, lished with exactly this in mind, as well as community lands and private lands. to increase giraffe field conservation and In 2019, the Giraffe Action Fund supported management actions for giraffe throughout various activities throughout 15 African Africa. countries to: Giraffe numbers have declined by almost • increase giraffe range; 30% in just over three decades to approximately • reduce human-giraffe conflict; 111,000 in the wild. It is likely that giraffe KENYA numbered ten times as many only a century • enhance law enforcement; ago. The GAF’s goal is to secure and • develop national/regional strategies increase current giraffe numbers and and actions; DEMOCRATIC their distribution throughout their range in REPUBLIC OF • increase education or raise awareness; Africa. This goal is achievable, especially CONGO and CAMEROON if carried out in cooperation with other key conservation initiatives whose focus species • develop and implement strategies to secure the habitats that giraffe need occupy the same landscapes as giraffe. ANGOLA to roam freely. ZAMBIA The GAF identifies and supports the most innovative field conservation actions and TANZANIA campaigns that directly protect and promote Anti-poaching Technical Support the conservation of these iconic species. These actions include the following: • Action efforts to increase giraffe numbers, Capacity Building / Translocation distribution and habitat Education MALAWI • Action anti-poaching of giraffe throughout Vehicle Support the continent Equipment ZIMBABWE • Action conservation education and awareness to save giraffe and to Survey Support minimise their biggest threats NAMIBIA MOZAMBIQUE

Left: To save giraffe in Africa, we have to take action now: Rangers from the Uganda SOUTH AFRICA Wildlife Service capture a ‘Critically Endan- gered’ Nubian giraffe in Murchison Falls NP for a conservation translocation to expand 15 their range. Credit: GCF 16 TWIGA TRACKER

The Twiga Tracker Initiative is the recharging. This so-called ossi-unit is linked authorities in the range states. largest GPS tracking study that has ever to the Iridium satellite network, which allows Throughout the entire giraffe tracking been conducted for giraffe. In order to a two-way transfer of data, so that it can be process, animal welfare is paramount. conserve giraffe and the diverse ecosystems remotely reprogrammed as well as relay the To ensure that all procedures are they inhabit, we need a better understanding recorded locations of the tracked giraffe to carried out in accordance with best of where these animals move, how much any Internet-linked device. practice guidelines, GCF works with space they need, and how they utilise As using the data collected from the ossi- the foremost wildlife veterinarians in their habitats within a range of different units requires sophisticated analytical Africa. GCF is also instrumental in environments. techniques, GCF has partnered with developing capacity with host country wildlife veterinarians From the hyperarid deserts of northwestern leading research institutions such as the by facilitating workshops and Namibia to the mesic savannahs of western Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, training wildlife veterinarians Uganda, and from the Senckenberg in immobilisation and semi-arid scrub of Biodiversity and animal-handling protocols. northern Kenya to the Climate Research Sahelian savannahs of Centre, Goethe Niger, this ambitious University, and other continental-scale partners to develop initiative joins partners rigorous scientific from across the globe tools to learn more to better understand about how giraffe giraffe movements interact with their throughout their range. habitats. Through By understanding using cutting edge giraffe spatial ecology geospatial analyses throughout Africa, in association GCF can develop innovative conservation with satellite imagery, GCF and affiliated strategies for the protection of giraffe and researchers are investigating how giraffe their habitats interact with their environments across space and time. Looking at giraffe habitat Through merging cutting edge technology use on a landscape scale provides key with the best available scientific analyses, insights into valuable resources for giraffe, GCF is spearheading this ground-breaking and it will help to guide conservation study of giraffe movement ecology. To initiatives throughout Africa. date, GCF has tracked nearly 200 giraffe – representing all four species – in 10 different The real-time visualisation of giraffe During this year, we tracked 146 different giraffe from all four countries. The ambitious scope of this study movement data provides a valuable tool for species in eight different countries, namely, Chad, DRC, Kenya, and the innovative approaches required to conservation managers and rangers on the Namibia, Niger, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. These giraffe conduct research at this scale necessitate ground. GCF and partners have developed recorded a total of 631,490 data points, representing over 26,312 collaborative approaches with leading specialised computer applications to access days of tracking. The tracked giraffe travelled a combined conservation researchers and practitioners. and visualise the latest locations of giraffe distance of 188,022 km. One of the Critically Endangered from laptops or smart phones in the field. Kordofan giraffe in Chad travelled an amazing 5,280 km in one GCF has worked with a Kenya-based These tools have already proven valuable year! In some locations, such as Namibia, Uganda and northern manufacturer of GPS tracking technology to in Uganda and Namibia, as they allow field Kenya, we noted substantial giraffe movement outside formally design a unit that is optimised for tracking teams to easily track giraffe as part of post- protected areas, which highlights the need for integrative all species of giraffe. The current version translocation monitoring programmes. This landscape-level conservation initiatives that incorporate local of this tracking device is smaller than a data is critical for monitoring efforts on the Above: The solar powered GPS communities in planning. deck of cards and features a solar panel for ground, and it is shared freely with wildlife satellite tracking unit is smaller than a deck of cards and hard to spot from a distance. Credit: GCF 17 18 CAPACITY BUILDING Wildlife Capture Exchange In June 2019, six members of the Uganda Wildlife In addition, the UWA team visited the Africat Foundation GCF is committed to building a future for giraffe Authority (UWA) travelled to Namibia at the invitation and Cheetah Conservation Fund, where they learned conservation in Africa and internationally. As of GCF, in collaboration with the Namibian Ministry of more about animal rehabilitation, particularly cheetah, such, GCF continues to work with partners locally, Environment and Tourism (MET), to learn more about leopard and pangolin. Lastly, the Ugandan visitors nationally and internationally to further giraffe wildlife capture and translocations. participated in a field day with GCF’s Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP), where conservation. Ultimately, giraffe can only be Since 2013, GCF and the UWA have worked together they learned more about the Namibian environment and saved in Africa; therefore, it is of paramount to enhance giraffe (and other wildlife) capture services the importance of environmental education. importance that we work with local partners in Uganda through direct hands-on training of the who are as passionate about giraffe as frontline UWA staff. This training has yielded notable Overall, the team felt that their visit was an amazing we are. Enhancing their capacity is an results in numerous successful wildlife translocations experience. The team expressed that they gained important aspect of such a collaboration. and over 200 wildlife rescues. To further enhance the professional experience as well as a sense of Our Khomas Environmental Education UWA capture team’s capacity, GCF invited them for enlightenment, as meeting wildlife experts in a different Programme (KEEP) is a prime example of hands-on training and the opportunity to work with country opened their eyes to various conservation GCF’s commitment to Africa’s people experienced capture teams in Namibia. issues and provided a new perspective of their African continent. This experience was a trip of a lifetime for and wildlife. During a two-week visit, the Ugandan team had the all the participants and it will enhance game capture opportunity to work with both government and private As part of our commitment to assist with building in Uganda to new heights. We were proud to host the game capture teams in Namibia. During this time, the capacity of conservation leaders throughout team as building capacity and engaging current and they gained experience in the mass capture of giraffe Africa and internationally, GCF provided financial future conservation leaders is at the core of and oryx, loading of ostrich and eland for transport, and/or technical support and advice to several our mission. students this year: individual capture and collaring of zebra and wildebeest in the Etosha National Park, and they experienced field surgery together with a group of veterinarians and students from Namibian and South African universities.

Ali Abagana (Niger), PhD Emma Hart (Namibia), PhD

Maridi University, Niger University College Dublin, Ireland / Namibia Below: During their time in Namibia, the UWA team had University of Science and Technology, Namibia the unique opportunity to visit Etosha National Park and Michael Brown (Uganda), PhD (completed) work alongside the MET game capture unit. Credit: GCF Dartmouth College, USA Arthur Muneza (Kenya), PhD Anna Lena Burger (Namibia), PhD (completed) Michigan State University, USA Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany David O’Connor (Kenya), PhD Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany Kateřina Gašparova (Niger), PhD Czech University of Life Sciences, Czech Republic Eric Thiel (Namibia), PhD Jackson Hamutenya (Namibia), MSc Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia. Matthew Wachira (Kenya), MSc Nairobi University, Kenya

19 20 Education Materials

In order to get our giraffe conservation message future for giraffe in Africa, we have decided Scientific Publications out there to a wider audience, GCF continues to that it is important and timely to provide develop education materials and to render their practical guidelines to help wildlife and game Brown, M., Bolger, D. & Fennessy, J. 2019. All the eggs in one basket: A countrywide electronic versions available for free on the GCF capture teams, veterinarians, and conservation assessment of current and historical giraffe population distribution in Uganda. Global website. This year, again, various new posters managers. “A Journey of Giraffe – A practical Ecology and Conservation. 19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00612. were added to our catalogue of materials. guide to wild giraffe translocations” is the Burger, A.L., Fennessy, J., Fennessy, S. & Dierkes. 2020. Nightly selection of resting sites One of the key outputs of working with local first-ever comprehensive giraffe translocation manual. It was developed together with a group partners is the production of a dedicated Giraffe and group behavior reveal antipredator strategies in giraffe. Ecology and Evolution 10(6): 2917-2927. Conservation Poster for Niger and Tanzania. of experts in the field, and it can be downloaded for free from the GCF website. Each poster summarises the status of giraffe, D’haen, M., Fennessy, J., Stabach, J.A. & Brandlová, K. 2019. Population structure and identifies threats, and provides a comprehensive In addition to GCF’s materials, the Giraffe summary of giraffe conservation in the Resource Centre continues to be an important spatial ecology of Kordofan giraffe in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of respective country. For effective information source of information regarding giraffe Congo. Ecology and Evolution https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5640. dissemination, it is important to translate some of publications for the wider public. So far, we Hart, E.E., Fennessy, J., Chari, S. and Ciuti, S. 2019. Habitat heterogeneity and social our education materials into local or commonly have uploaded over 700 articles and scientific used languages. For example, the Niger poster papers that can be downloaded by anyone who factors drive behavioral plasticity in giraffe herd-size dynamics. Journal of Mammalogy. is also available in French, Zarma and Hausa is looking for information. These publications 101(1): 248-258. (although Hausa is the most commonly spoken also include scientific papers that have been local language in Niger, Zarma is widely used in published by GCF staff and partners during Muneza, A. B., Ortiz, W. C. Packer, C., Cusack, J., Jones, T., Palmer, M. S. Swanson, A., the ‘Giraffe Zone’). the year. Kosmala, M., Dickman, A. J., Macdonald, D. W. and R. A. Montgomery. 2019. Quantifying the severity of Giraffe Skin Disease via photogrammetry analysis of camera trap data. As the conservation translocation of giraffe Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 55 (4):770 – 781. has become an important tool for securing a Noonan, Michael J., Fleming, Christen H., Tucker, Marlee A., Kays, Roland, Harrison, Autumn-Lynn, Crofoot, Margaret C., Abrahms, Briana, Alberts, Susan C., Ali, Abdullahi H., Niijer gandji yoy Dumey fu-o Hagoyyan tira

Fu_o : Mammalia c (almaney c c kanga nanandi) Altmann, Jeanne, Antunes, Pamela Castro, Attias, Nina, Belant, Jerrold L., Beyer, Dean E., Ir ga saabuyan tonandi Katerina Gašparová, Sean Viljoen, Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou, Philippe Chardonnet and Cindy Armstrong ga fotey da laabu diyan tira se. Rakuman dawa na Nijar Sokon yan: Artiodactyla almiyali: Giraffidae Jr., Bidner, Laura R., Blaum, Niels, Boone, Randall B., Caillaud, Damien, de Paula, Rogerio Dumi: Giraffa Jagoran kiyayewa c LES GIRAFES DU NIGER Iri: Rakuman dawan arewa Godiya zuwa ga Katerina Gašparová, Sean Viljoen, Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou, Philippe Chardonnet and Cindy Armstrong saboda hoto da zanen taswira. Giraffa camelopardalis Jinsuna c Cunha, de la Torre, J. Antonio, Dekker, Jasja, DePerno, Christopher S., Farhadinia,

Da aji: Iri keyney: afrik wayna ka ngway gadji yoo Mammalia (Dabbobi masu shayarwa) Giraffa camelopardalis peralta Guide de conservation c c c Nous remercions Katerina Gašparová, Sean Viljoen, Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou, Philippe Chardonnet et Cindy Armstrong pour les images et la cartographie. Taxonomie Mohammad, Fennessy, Julian, Fichtel, Claudia, et al. 2020. Effects of body size on Domin: Artiodactyla

Classe: Iyalin: Mammalia (Mammifère) Manga no iga du gandji yoy niijer Giraffidae ra? c c c estimation of mammalian area requirements. Conservation Biology 1017-1028. https://doi. km 60 gallu dunkaa azawara ngda Afrik wayna ka-ngay ra aman cindi kalla gandji yoy 600 saadjora amaJinsin: ikulu si ga bafuney kalla niijer ra. Ordre: Artiodactyla Afrik wayna ka-ngay gandji yoy baayagwno kulu si ga bafuney kalla gandji yoy Giraffakambu nan kan gato c niijer gandji almaney kambo. Kambo wo gonda Kure laabo, Bosso hari zurando da Fakara Tondobon. Anna saara djiri 2018 bananta , GCF kundaa nganda Sahara Conservation Fund da kundaa foyan da niijer gomnato sindji gandjilmaney. yoy dumi hinkante Gadabedji kambo ra niijero wayna funey ra, Soro Irin:sintiney Rakuman idirandi alman dawan 8. Gababedji arewa go nan kan gandji yoi djinii hala igadarey Famille: Giraffidae org/10.1111/cobi.13495 anna saara djiri 1970 hari djau maaga. Aga bori irima ci kan niijerGiraffa gandji camelopardalisjoy waney gafey ngay bafuney farey ra da borey da a

c Ina za mu iya samun rakuman dawa a Nijar? Genre: Giraffa Niijer gandji yoy c Cikin irin: Rakumin Afrika na yamma Akwai kawai game da rakuman dawa 600 a Yammacin Afrika, a cikin daji da kuma duk a raye a Nijar. Kusan duk rakuman dawan yammacin Afrik wayna ka-ngay gadji yoo manti kalla iri keyney no Giraffa camelopardalis peralta Giraffa camelopardalis). A Afrika suna rayuwa a cikin “Yankin Rakuman dawa” a kusa da km 60 kudu-maso-gabas da babban birnin kasar Niamey, a mika mulki sashi azawa kambey gandji yoo ( Espèce: Girafe du Nord daga cikin Muciyan Yankin lambun W na Nijar. Wannan yanki ya hada da yankin tsakiya na kasar Koure ,na Adibas Bosso da tiren Fakara. nasara djiri zongu warankanta , gandji yoy kango afrik Giraffa camelopardalis Karshen 2018, GCF, tare da ha wayna ka-ngay goro waatodini non kulu , zaa niijeria kala

c na jama’ar Rakuman dawa cikinɗ inMuciyan gwiwar lambun Asusun Gadabedji muhallin Sahara a gabashin da sauran Nijar, motsinabukkan dabbobi goyi bayan takwas gwamnatin da farko. Nijar, Gadabedji ta kafa ne wani wani kashi biyu senegal ama a nasara djiri 1990 bindora , aman cindi kala na tarihin rakuman dawa kewayan yammacin Afrika kafin su bace cikin gida a 1970 saboda fari. Yana da muhimmanci a lura da cewa ngay boro 49 afrik wayna ka-ngay kulu raa. Niijer manti kala Où peut-on trouver des girafes au Niger ? laboo hinney afrik ra kan ra gandji yoy iri wo gono koyney. Di rakuman dawan Nijar su raba rai sarari tare da mutane da kuma dabbobi. Sous-espèce: guna cawyan taagey ra, niijer gandji yoy hinne si kala ngay Girafe d’Afrique de l’Ouest O’Connor, D., Stacy‐Dawes, J., Muneza, A., Fennessy, J., Gobush, K., Chase, M.J., Il ne reste qu’environ 600 girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest à l’état sauvage et toutes vivent au Niger. La quasi-totalité des girafes d’Afrique de boro 600. l’Ouest vivent dans la “zone girafe” à environ 60 km au sud-est de la capitale Niamey, dans la zone de transition de la Réserve de Biosphère Giraffa camelopardalis peralta ɓangare du Parc W du Niger. Cette zone comprend la zone centrale du Kouré, le Dallol Bosso et le plateau de Fakara. Afrik wayna ka-ngay gadji yoy si kala niijer gumnanto dukay cirey ,koyneyi i si hin gui garey .Niijer gomnato ni ga bonda hiha goywanra da suba bafuna boreyandiyan kayandi . anna Fin 2018, GCF, en collaboration avec le Sahara Conservation Fund et d’autres partenaires et en soutien au gouvernement du Niger, a établi saara djiri 2006 , Niijer te laboo sintina afrik raa kan na une deuxième population de girafes dans la Réserve de Biosphère de Gadabedji dans l’Est du Niger, en déplaçant dans un premier temps Brown, M.B., Bracis, C., Elkan, P., Zaberirou, A.R.M., Rabeil, T., Rubenstein, D., Becker , Rakuman dawa a dabariyan gorandi ngan da sulayan kanga hima ga hagoy huit animaux. Gadabedji faisait partie de l’aire de distribution historique des girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest, avant qu’elles n’y disparaissent da gandji yoy. Anna saara djira 2015, dabari foyan ga dabari localement dans les années 1970 en raison de la sécheresse. Il est important de noter que les girafes du Niger partagent leur espace vital sin tiney tunandey . GCF kunda dinga djaama ni gay bon dan Nijar sokonyan gora kala dey goyey gorandi waatey. avec les hommes et leur bétail. Afrik wayna ka-ngnay gandji yoo- Zanga 600 cine Rakuman dawan Afrika ta Yamma na cikin irin Rukuman Giraffa camelopardalis peralta M.S., Phillips, S. Stabach, J.A., Leimgruber, P., Glikman, J.A., Ruppert, dawan Arewa ( Giraffa camelopardalis 20, rakuman dawa, a Yammacin Afrika ).sun A farkontartsatsi, karni Najeriya na zuwa Senegal, amma a tsakiyar shekaran Afrik wayna kangnay gandji yoy Jamaa Farey ki sadiau 1990,Sauran kawai 49 da cikin su cikin Afrika ta Yamma. Nijar ne kawai kasa a Afirka inda wannan cikin iri na nan har yanzu. A cewar ‘yan karatu, jama’ar da ra Niijer gandi yoo tarifo Les girafes au Niger Tondey ga hantomey da waatodini seda foyan laabu djarey fara gacabey K., Masiaine, S. & Mueller, T. 2019. Updated geographic range maps Rakuman dawan Afrika ta Yamma suna alfahari da kariyar dokarƙuman a dawa a Nijar ya kusa da 600. kan gandji yoy wo goro waatoodini afrik wayna ka-gnay kulu raa . La girafe d’Afrique de l’Ouest est une sous-espèce de la girafe du Nord ( Nijar, sabili da haka ba za a iya farauta da bin doka. Nijar ta gwamnaci Tarifo raa gandji yoy goro nongo kulu niijer laabo raa da azagambey Giraffa camelopardalis ta jajirce wajen kare rakuman dawa da kuma su nan gaba a cikin mali djaar ga . annama lahani foyan maaga dangaa hankan hima da 20ème siècle, les girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest). Au étaientdébut du daji. A shekarar 2006, Nijar ta zama kasa ta farko a Afirka wajen gawey yan, kogay nganda batamey zoroyan alharey maaga akan dee largement répandues, du Nigeria au Sénégal, mais au milieu des années 1990, il ne restait plus samar da wata kasa dabarun da shirin domin kiyayewa da ra lahani kan nan gandji yoy zaabu anna saara djiri1970 ga ka anna saara que 49 individus dans toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Le Niger est le seul pays d’Afrique où cette sous- djiri 1990 bindo se. Anna saara Djiri 1996, agaa cin di gandji yoo 49 dawa. A shekarar 2015, iri na biyu na wannan dabaran ya maye espèce existe encore. D’après des études récentes, la population de girafes au Niger est estimée à for giraffe, Giraffa spp., throughout sub‐Saharan Africa, and afrik wayna ka-ngay raa. gurbin na farko. GCF da tawagar da aka hannu daga ganewaƙuman to environ 600 individus. aiwatar tsare-tsaren da suka shafi ayyukan. Jama’an rakuman dawan Afrika na Yamma Les girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest sont fièrement protégées par la loi au Niger et ne peuvent donc pas être chassées légalement. Le gou- vernement du Niger s’est engagé à protéger les girafes et à assurer implications of changing distributions for conservation. leur avenir à l’état sauvage. En 2006, le Niger est devenu le premier pays d’Afrique à élaborer une stratégie nationale et un plan d’action de conservation de la girafe. En 2015, une deuxième version de Tarihin Rakumin dawan cette stratégie a remplacé la première. GCF et son équipe ont été impliqués depuis l’élaboration jusqu’à la mise en œuvre des plans Rakumin dawan Afrika na yamma – Game da 600 Mammal Review 49: 285-299. Nijar Nongorey & Laaboo et activités associées. Giraffa camelopardalis peralta Effectifs de population des Da yawan zana rubutu da zane-zanan daa a cikin yankin, naa nunaSakkuley Baano cewa da rakuman dawa sun zarar a da salon cikin Afrika ta Yamma. A Kare yankunan girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest Fuwey asara seygnwo kwanan nan tarihin rakuman dawa ya kasance mai tartsatsi ne a sassa• Fu-o kan gandji yoy gaba afrik wayna kan ngay ra(Acacia manti kayna kayna mariyey saadjo ra kan gon da almaney alfarey go gai Niijer - gandji yoy na tsakiyar Nijar da kuma arewa-maso-yamma, kusa da kan iyaka da kalla « Mariyey saadjo »,kan raa gonda turi wo dumi Wo dine kasar Mali. Duk da haka, a hade da wasu dalilai kamar karuwa a bisate fari koynee tari djaa ngwgo ton ton zaama cey go torey beri ga (Senegalia), Combretum, Piliostigma et Boscia spp. nairee Niamey borey se, woodini nan gandji yoy fuwey go zaabu. ba gandji yoy igaka alwati ga ka alwati Hiri zurey raa kan raa iga gaayiiyan kan bori Historie de la girafe du Niger doka ba farauta, naci fari yanayi da kuma hidda itace ga dalilai na fadada Faidherbia albida, Balanites • Yandjee gandji yoy –bani adam du gwari sanga woney wodomey . daga gona don yawan girman dan-adam ya sa wani kaifi dakushe baa kan gandji yoy manti huburukumandi no , alwati ga ka alwati aegyptiaca da Ziziphus mauritiana Gandji yoy ton-ton yangnwo afriki wayna kangnwa raa niijer raa De nombreuses gravures rupestres et peintures préhistoriques dans la région in Girafe d’Afrique de l’Ouest - environ 600 yawan rakuman dawa tsakanin 1970 da kuma tsakiyar shekarar 1990.nga da alfari ga yandji zaama se iga furo alfari farey raa gwori ceci manti kala zaama yan no gandji yoy gaa yiyan gnwo. Zama di diquent que les girafes étaient autrefois prolifiques dans toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Giraffa camelopardalis peralta A shekarar 1996, Akwai kawai 49 rakuman dawan yammacin Afrika ayan maaga , waana dunguri da mangu da i furo i ga hanney tamu Gunawan da ceci ran kala gandji yoy fayan gnwo do , wo din kulu sambu gandji yo 49 afriki wayna kangnwey raa anna saara djiri Dans l’histoire plus récente, les girafes étaient très répandues dans certaines cikin daji, iyakance zuwa a “Yankin Rakumi”. .Gandjiyoy hana foyan i gui garey wodini se i ga marey wala i maa kadey anna saara koydjina kan si ga ne satelit GPS . koydjina 1990 bindo raa , Niijer gomnanto du kundey kanga hagoy da gandji - parties au centre du Niger et au nord-ouest, proche de la frontière avec le Mali. Aires protégées bu. diini gaa cabey kan gandji yoy gonda bafuney nangu banbata yoy gakasina, gomnanto na ga bi ton-ton nga ma du ga hangoy da

• fonda hasaraw wey afrik raa . Gandji yoyraa , afoyan keydiya ga ka keydiya iga dira gandji yoy kan cindi afrik raa. Zaa wodini gandji yoy go ga ton-ton Cependant, une combinaison de facteurs tels que l’augmentation de la chasse gandji yoo fuwey ki ga fay nganda alfari gamaara , da kurukey din ga goy nankan bafuna sidorandi. . Anna saara djiri 2008 afrik gandji yoy ton-ton kunda kan se iga ne illégale, les conditions de sécheresse persistantes et la déforestation à des fins gay hawey maan ti hakan ikali no. Wodini se fonda hasaraw wey go UICN tari cira raa dan ga dumi kan gaba sadiau yan beri. d’expansion des terres agricoles pour une population humaine en pleine crois gandji yoy hanburandi. Wadin kulu se, da I totn-ton ngnwo kulu, Anna saara djiri 2018 ini sance ont provoqué une forte diminution du nombre de girafes entre les années • Gaweey yan dan almaney kan gaba sadiau yan fu-o raa. Fayyan ngnwo ihanna no Saa anna saara djiri 1990 bindora gaweey yan sino . wodini se koyne mo iga hinni ga dan niijer gomnato ngan dinga kambe go ciare 1970 et le milieu des années 1990. En 1996, il ne restait plus que 49 girafes- Barazana gandji yoy fay-fay yan ngwo go ga ton-ton wana djifando wango kambe raa kundey yoy hagoyyan ngnwo raa. Goyo Hagoyangnwo d’Afrique de l’Ouest à l’état sauvage, limitées à la “zone girafe”. maaga Gaweey yan gate dii maa naa mataki sambu. oriiyyangnwo kulu si kala kambe go ciare kambe raa yangnwo da

• Asarar sassaran mazauna • Alwatey baar-mayangnwo laabizey kan yan goga baafuney da gandji yoy kanyan ga faham da

Kamar yadda zuwa bissa zuwa wa annan “Dajin Damusa” ne tuba zuwa cikin Mazauna & Dungaa ton-ton da hari dja gnwa bena alwati baar-mayangnwo ga gandji yoy beraa laabo arzakaa se. 2020 Foundation Conservation Giraffe © Copyright kuma hidda itace ya ci gaba da samar da makãmashi ga mazaunan birnin Niamey, mazaunan hinna ga kan dey lahani niijer gandji yoy da haburukumandi fuyan rakuman dawa anka hallaka, shi na yin karanmi kuma da sauran bangarori da sunka katse ko Lafiyar Qasa danga fu djaa ngnwey , bani adam da gandji yoy yandja da gaweyan. ko Sassara. ƙasar noma da • Rigingimu sakanin dan-adam da rakumin dawa Maafiso mazaunan ra Menaces Left: Niger’s Giraffe - Conservation Guide Ko da yake rakuman dawa suna ba sanii a matsayin barazana kamar yadda irin wannan, suka yammacin Afrika shi ne “Dajinƙuman Damusa”, dawan Nijar - Nasara a gare kai a kai zo a cikin rikici tare da manoma domin su shiga cikin filayen neman abinci, musamman wanda aka halin da ciyayi wanda rarraba • Perte de l’habitat et fragmentation wake da mangoro cewa da suce so, da kuma tattakan hatsi. Rakuman dawa sukan farauta, ce yi makada, ko wata bishiyan makada Habitat & Alors que de plus en plus de “brousse tigrée” est convertie en terres agricoles et que la is the most recent poster developed by our wanda zai iya, wani lokaci kai ga rauni ko mutuwa. (Acacia (Senegalia) Combretum kiyayewa rakuman • Hatsarorin Hanya déforestation se poursuit pour fournir du bois de chauffage pour les habitants de Niamey, Piliostigma kuma da Écologie mazaunan ra da kari, sau da yawa rakumanBoscia spp. dawa Bugu na l’habitat des girafes est détruit, il se rétrécit et les zones restantes sont déconnectées ou ƙuman dawa, da suna raba tare da na manoma, da maciaya kuma da dabobbin, dawa naa bude da kuma ba masu garu. A gaskiya, hatsarorin hanya, ko da yake ba aganta kullun, sauka zua da zua cikin abidas (yanayi fragmentées. Kungiyar na kafuwar kiyayewa ma Rakuman dawaa (GCF) na team. The poster is also available in French, • tabbatar da wani ci gaba ga dukan jama’ar rakuman dawa a cikin L’habitat préféré des girafes d’Afrique sunaa yin barazana ga ra na’ura mai aiki da tsarin karfin ruwa) Girman yawan rakuman dawa a kasashen yammacin Afirka a Nijar Conflit Homme-Girafe daji. GCF ne kawai kungiyar a cikin duniya wanda aikin ta da aka de l’Ouest est la « brousse tigrée », • ƙumin dawa. Bien que les girafes ne soient pas perçues comme une menace en tant que telle, elles Farautar inda suka ciyar daga sauran shi ne wanan nasara cikin kiyayewa. Duk da yake akwai kawai 49 sadaukar kawai ga kiyayewa da kuma gudanar da rakuman dawa qui se caractérise par une végétation Faidherbia entrent régulièrement en conflit avec les agriculteurs cara cikin elles daji pénètrent a Afrika dans les champs à Tun tsakiyar 1990, ba farauta bisa doka (farautar) shi ne kusan albida, Balanites aegyptiaca da cinkin su a ko’ina yammacin Afrika a tsakiyar 1990, Gwamnatin dont la répartition forme des bandes Zarma and Hausa for maximum impact in rakuman dawa fadada matsayin yawan Ziziphus mauritiana da kuma Nijar, da goyan bayan kasa da duniya da kiyayewa da kungiyoyi, la recherche de nourriture, en particulier les haricots et les mangues qu’elles affectionnent, . ou par une alternance de bandes dada tabarbare ta’addanci, yana da muhimmanci a fahimci cewaƙarancin. farautar Duk iya da faruwa haka, kewayon idan an ya Kanmu a et piétinent le mile. Les girafes sont souventgiraffeconservation.org chassées, ce qui peut parfois entraîner des ƙaruwa da kuma saboda yankin da rashin tsaro ya ƙo d’arbres ( ba su gudanar da kula. Cigaba da sa ido da kuma bincike a kan Tun daga nan, yawanƙarin mutaneajiye karshe na kara na kaweyrakuman ne. YammanciA 2008, rakuman Afrika. blessures voire la mort. Acacia (Senegalia), Com Le Niger – Un succès pour • Canjin yanayi • Accidents de la route bretum, Piliostigma et Boscia spp - Niger. Credit: GCF rarraban rakuman dawa, ta hanyar GPS dawan yammacin Afrika da aka kara wa jerin IUCN kamar yadda outre, les girafes descendent souvent. En A hade da tashin yanayin zafi da kuma mafi tsanani fari saboda canjin yanayi zai iya tasiri da tauraron riwayar dan-adam, ya nuna jinsunan miyagun wanda kiyayewa ne mai matuqar muhimmanci. L’habitat de la girafe, qu’elles partagent avec des agriculteurs, des éleveurs et leur bétail, a kan rakuman dawan Nijar da kuma kai wa ga sauran barazana kamar asarar da sassaran cewa da rakuman dawa a kasashen Duk da haka, wadannan da karuwa a cikin yawan a shekara ta est ouvert et non clôturé. De fait, les accidents de la route, bien que rares, sont une de façon saisonnière dans le Dallol la conservation des girafes mazaunansu, da rikice-rikice sakanin mutum da rakumin dawa kuma da bisa doka ba farauta. yammacin Afirka suna da manyan 2018 suka soke zama a matsayi. Wanan tauye na tabbatacce kuma menace pour la girafe. (système hydrologique saisonnier) où gida jeri, tsakanin babbar jera tsakanin wata killa za a iya dangana ga kokari da kiyayewar da ra • elles se nourrissent entre autres de La population croissante de girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest au Niger est une Braconnage Right: Faidherbia albida, Balanites aegypti réussite en matière de conservation. Alors qu’il ne restait que 49 individus dans There is still so much more to learn rakuman dawa. Suna zanci motsa a dawan gwamnatin Nijar da abukkan goyi bayan sa. Nasarar wannan Depuis le milieu des années 1990, la chasse illégale (braconnage) est quasiment damana, neman yankunan hakowa kiyayewa himma bisa wani kusa cinikayya tare da guwannin daƙ umansuke inexistante. Cependant, l’aire de répartition des girafes s’élargissant à mesure que la aca et Ziziphus mauritiana. - toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest au milieu des années 1990, le gouvernement du Niger, masu ciau. zaune tare da rakuman dawa kuma da suka fahimci muhimmancin population augmente et du fait de l’insécurité régionale exacerbée par le terrorisme, il soutenu par des organisations de conservation nationales et internationales, da raƙuman dawa ga yanayin kasa kuma da tattalin gidan arziki. Le suivi continu et la recherche quant à a entrepris un effort concerté pour sauver les dernières girafes d’Afrique de about. As a science-based organisation, we use est important de comprendre que du braconnage peut avoir lieu si ce n’est pas géré et surveillé. la distribution des girafes, grâce à des l’Ouest. Depuis lors, le nombre d’individus n’a cessé d’augmenter. En 2008, • Changement climatique émetteurs satellites GPS, indiquent les girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest ont été ajoutées à la liste rouge de l’UICN en que les girafes d’Afrique de l’Ouest tant qu’espèces La combinaison de la hausse des températures et de sécheresses plus sévères dues au En danger this new knowledge to develop effective actions dont la conservation est de haute importance. changement climatique pourrait avoir un impact sur les girafes au Niger et entraîner d’autres ont de vastes domaines vitaux, parmi Cependant, suite à l’augmentation de leur nombre, en 2018 elles ont été menaces telles que la perte et la fragmentation de leur habitat, des conflits homme-girafe les plus grands répertoriés chez les déclassées dans la catégorie girafes. Elles ont tendance à se dé Vulnérable Copyright © Giraffe Conservation Foundation 2020 et la chasse illégale. être attribué aux efforts continus en matière. Ce dedéclassement conservation est de positif la girafe, et peut du to secure a future for all giraffe populations in placer davantage en saison des plu- gouvernement du Niger et de ses partenaires. Le succès de cette initiative de ies, recherchant des zones de four- conservation repose sur un partenariat étroit avec les communautés locales rage favorables. - qui vivent aux côtés des girafes et qui comprennent l’importance de la girafe pour l’écosystème et l’économie locale. the wild. Credit: © Friedemeier - Adobestock

Kungiyar na kafuwar kiyayewa ma Rakuman dawaa (GCF) na tabbatar da wani ci gaba ga dukan jama’ar rakuman dawa a cikin daji. GCF ne kawai kungiyar a cikin duniya wanda aikin ta da aka sadaukar kawai ga kiyayewa da kuma gudanar da rakuman dawa Copyright © Giraffe Conservation Foundation 2020

a cikin daji a Afrika 21 giraffeconservation.org 22 L’ONG Giraffe Conservation Foundation mission d’assurer un futur durable pour l’ensemble des (GCF) a pour populations de girafes à l’état sauvage. GCF est la seule ONG à travers le monde dont l’action est dédiée uniquement à la conservation et à la gestion des girafes dans la nature en Afrique. giraffeconservation.org If you see a group of primary Namibians and encourage their school students quietly walking in curiosity about environmental issues While our KEEP team has a large store of knowledge to impart to their single file through a dry riverbed or in their own communities. It may also gathered in a group closely inspecting change their behaviour in relation to young charges, they are trained to ask something on the ground in the Daan the environment around their own questions rather than give lectures. By Viljoen Game Reserve, then you have homes, which, in the long term, will asking pertinent and relevant questions, probably encountered a Khomas improve their living conditions. they encourage the students to explore the process of figuring things out by Environmental Education Programme KEEP operates in the Daan Viljoen (KEEP) excursion. themselves. In the same way, the KEEP Game Reserve, which is close to team encourages the students to ask Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. The KEEP was established after the GCF their own questions. This process could students spend a whole school day team realised some years ago that fundamentally change the way leaners on a three-kilometre educational hike, many primary school students in think and care about nature, their where they are guided and taught Namibia’s Khomas Region around environments, and one other. After a by three young Namibian Nature Windhoek, where we are based, had busy morning in the bush learning and Conservation graduates. Along the never visited a national park or even questioning, we hope that these children way, they learn about important seen a wild animal. This sparked our will return home curious and eager to learn plant species, how to track and determination to make a difference more about their environment, and to share identify animals by their tracks and/or by designing and implementing an what they have learned with their family droppings. The activities also include Khomas environmental education programme and friends. a number of fun interactive games in 2016. Based on participation that keep the children engaged Beyond introducing around 2,500 young numbers, KEEP is the largest throughout the experience. During Namibian students to nature each year, interactive field-based environmental open discussions, often held under KEEP provides a future in conservation education programme in Namibia. So a shady tree, they explore relevant work for Namibian tertiary students. The far, the GCF KEEP team has hosted and important environmental topics KEEP team loves sharing their passion for Environmental over 9,000 Grade 3 and 4 Primary such as the natural balance in both giraffe and nature with their young School students – 75% of these ecosystems, climate change, water students are from under-resourced visitors during each field excursion and saving and waste management. inspiring future NUST graduates to pursue government schools. All these topics are directly linked opportunities in environmental education. Education We developed KEEP as a means of to their home environments, which According to the KEEP Team Leader, reconnecting young Namibians with show the students how their actions Naemi Antonius, “Not many of our fellow nature and inspiring them to care for and lifestyles affect our fragile graduates enjoy their jobs as much as we their environment. Our programme environment. do! It is exhausting at times, especially on complements the national school hot summer days, but still, we love what The most popular activity throughout curriculum by taking relevant topics we are doing.” the hike is looking for animal tracks Programme (KEEP) from the classroom out into nature. and droppings – shit happens! Often When they are out in the bush with KEEP in Numbers (2019) times, the students are rewarded our KEEP team, the children can have with seeing the animals whose tracks 4 Non-school groups fun while learning about the ways of they are following: giraffe, wildebeest, the wild and the role they can play 5 Private schools oryx, jackal, baboon, ostrich, and in caring for the environment. An occasionally even brown hyena. For 15 Government schools increased awareness and greater understanding of the environment many of the students, this is the first 17 Schools which have participated time that they see these wild animals in KEEP for the second/third time will open the minds of these young in their natural habitat. 12 International visitors who joined KEEP Below: Did you know that most African children have never seen a giraffe in the wild? Credit: GCF 75 Primary school classes that joined KEEP

249 Kilometres walked by KEEP team

284 Hours spent in the bush

1,163 Boys who participated in KEEP

1,289 Girls who participated in KEEP

2,452 Primary school students, in total, who participated in KEEP

2,547 KEEP workbooks provided to students and their teachers Above: Giraffe can only be saved in Africa - by African people. Credit: GCF 5,094 Feet that walked the KEEP hike

23 0 Litter left behind 24 Operation Twiga IV: Giraffe return to

After an absence of almost 25 years, the the UWA, together with GCF and other partners, Critically Endangered Nubian giraffe has Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve has confirmed that the habitat was suitable for returned to the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve (WR) giraffe. Importantly, local communities living in Uganda! around the reserve also showed great interest in returning giraffe to the Pian Upe WR. Operation Twiga IV is the fifth conservation translocation of giraffe that has been supported Operation Twiga IV included the capture and by GCF in Uganda. Previous years have transport of 15 Critically Endangered Nubian seen giraffe re-introduced to the Lake Mburo giraffe from the Murchison Falls NP to their new National Park (NP) and the southern bank of the home in the Pian Upe WR. It took three arduous Murchison Falls NP, as well as supplemented to journeys of 16 hours and 480km each, which the small population in the Kidepo Valley NP in were made more difficult by unseasonal heavy northern Uganda. All translocated populations rains that turned the dirt roads into veritable of Nubian giraffe are thriving in their new mud slides. However, all is well that ends environments and numerous calves have been well, and the giraffe were joyfully welcomed born since their respective translocations. home by the local Karamojong people with These translocations are identified as a key lots of singing, laughter, and dances that conservation tool in the National Giraffe impersonated the newest residents of the Pian Conservation Strategy and Action Plan of Upe WR. Uganda, which is aimed at securing the future of Nubian giraffe in the country. Operation Twiga IV stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passionate people The largest wild population of Nubian giraffe come together. This does not only include the occurs in the Murchison Falls NP; however, team on the ground but also the supporters the country’s premier savannah park is of giraffe conservation from around the world. threatened by impending oil and infrastructure Without the funding support from international development, as well as illegal hunting partners and individuals, this amazing (poaching) for bushmeat. It is therefore crucial conservation success story could not have been to establish giraffe in their historical range realised. This translocation is a resounding throughout Uganda (and elsewhere) in order to success because it has re-introduced giraffe conserve the integrity of this iconic species. to an area where they were locally extinct and it has further increased the giraffe’s range in The Pian Upe WR is the second-largest Uganda by over 560,000 acres! Below: Each giraffe is individually Above: Translocating giraffe is no easy task protected area and the largest wildlife reserve captured and carefully guided into and requires amazing teamwork. Credit: GCF a chariot in an amazing team effort. in Uganda. Established in 1965, it was home to We take this opportunity to thank all our Credit: GCF the largest population of Nubian giraffe in the supporters for their generous funding and country, until years of civil unrest and armed for helping us to get the giraffe conservation conflict resulted in their disappearance (together message out to a wider audience. This was with other wildlife) from this area. By the mid- a truly incredible conservation team effort, 1990s, giraffe were considered locally extinct in which was led by the UWA, especially their the reserve. Since the cessation of civil unrest veterinarian and capture team. Giraffe can only in the country, wildlife populations have slowly be saved in Africa – by Africans. recovered and a translocation assessment by

Above: Photo: It is a long journey for these giraffe to their 25 new home in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Credit: GCF 26 Uganda: De-Snaring Monitoring at a Glance

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and limb or death. As part of our targeted support spots for snare/poaching activities. The team To date, the GCF/UWA team has travelled Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) have to the UWA’s mobile vet unit, we provide both is able to cover 80-250 km per day and, on more than 12,500 km, and has been able to identified poaching, particularly the use of technical and physical support to survey efforts average, finds at least one (sometimes two to treat over 170 animals in the Murchison Falls illegal wire snare traps, as a major conservation for the identification of snared giraffe (and other three) animal with a wire snare. The team is also NP since the project began in early 2019. An threat to the Critically Endangered Nubian wildlife) and to the subsequent appropriate on-call, which means that they are always ready astounding 114 of these snared animals have giraffe (and other wildlife), especially in the veterinary interventions. Through this work, to respond to any reports filed by other UWA been Nubian giraffe. As many of the treated Murchison Falls National Park (NP). Data that we aim to reduce the impact of wire snares on ranger patrols or even tourist vehicles who may individuals were found before the snares began has been collected over the years documents giraffe (and other wildlife) by facilitating the have sighted a snared animal. to inflict significant damage, they will recover that illegal wire snare traps routinely affect early identification and removal of wire snares, without any issue. To round off, the team has Due to the giraffe’s unique anatomy and approximately 3% of the giraffe population. ideally before any significant damage occurs, removed more than 500 wire snares, involved In order to determine the effects wire snare and by providing the appropriate treatment and physiology, immobilisation of them is notoriously 25 Ugandan students in the work, and trained traps have on giraffe, GCF decided to take an supportive care. difficult; however, it is a necessary risk in order 20 rangers in giraffe capture. active role in supporting veterinary response to facilitate the removal of the wire snares. As and other anti-poaching operations with the The UWA/GCF team performs 3-4 vehicle the UWA/GCF team has extensive experience in UWA, beginning in 2019. Nubian giraffe in patrols per week around the Murchison Falls giraffe field immobilisations in Uganda, the risk the Murchison Falls NP are not a targeted NP, focusing mostly on areas that are known hot to each giraffe is reduced as much as possible. species for poaching; instead, they become incidentally ensnared in wire snare traps. Usually, the giraffe are strong enough to break Below: Once the giraffe is safely on the ground, the Bottom: If the snare is detected early, it might not cause tranquilliser is immediately reversed and the animal any permanent damage to the giraffe. Credit: GCF the wire snare from its anchor point. Sometimes is treated. Credit: GCF the wire snare falls off of its own accord; however, more often it constricts around the snared extremity, resulting in severe wounds, secondary infection, permanent swelling/ mass formation, and in extreme cases loss of

Below: When the team finds a giraffe with a wire-snare, it is darted and roped for treatment. Credit: GCF

27 28 Hot spot on Tanzania: Masai giraffe are listed as Giraffe Conservation Science Symposium Endangered on the IUCN Red List & International Conventions The causes of giraffe population declines are multi-fold, where habitat loss and Formerly the most populous giraffe with an GCF employs a proactive approach to giraffe fragmentation, disease, competition with livestock, and local bushmeat trade are estimated 71,000 individuals three decades conservation and currently supports the all major factors; furthermore, all of these factors are most likely linked to human ago, less than 35,000 Masai giraffe remain in the implementation of Tanzania’s National Giraffe population growth. Conserving giraffe, as with any wildlife species in Africa, is wild today. Their range extends across central Conservation Strategy. In early 2020, GCF, working complex, and it requires both scientific understanding and action from multiple and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. in collaboration with the TAWIRI, Tanzania National stakeholders. Furthermore, an isolated population of Masai Parks (TANAPA) and Wildlife Conservation Alliance, giraffe exists in the Luangwa Valley in northeastern deployed 11 GPS satellite units on giraffe in Having realised early on that giraffe cannot be saved in isolation, we developed Zambia (formerly known as the Luangwa or Tanzania as part of a larger Twiga Tracker Initiative the idea of bringing a group of experts together to collaboratively determine Thornicroft’s giraffe), and an extralimital population and to better understand Giraffe Skin Disease questions that still need answers and a way to find these answers. (outside their natural range) exists in the Akagera (GSD) in the country. This programme will provide In May 2018, 35 experts working in giraffe and wildlife conservation-based National Park in Rwanda. the first-ever detailed understanding of occupancy and utilisation of giraffe habitats, the extent of decision-making from NGOs, academia, and African governments came together The giraffe is the national animal of Tanzania and movements, home ranges and seasonal dynamics to collaborate and discuss the development of a unifying Africa-wide Giraffe the country is home to the largest population of of habitat use, and whether or not giraffe utilise Conservation Science Management Framework. Under GCF’s leadership, the Masai giraffe in the wild. The rapid increase and corridors for travelling to core areas of importance meeting was hosted in close partnership with the Smithsonian Conservation expansion of human populations and settlements (e.g. transboundary landscapes or between Biology Institute (SCBI), San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG,) and Senckenberg in the East African country is one of the greatest protected areas). Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre. During this first-ever Giraffe threats to Masai giraffe and other wildlife. Habitat Conservation Science Symposium, the group identified key gaps for further assessment, as well as opportunities for developing partnerships and working loss and fragmentation due to increasing pressure Giraffe Skin Disease was identified as a threat to on land for agricultural and pastoral use, illegal giraffe in Tanzania and the country is considered collaboratively across Africa to help save giraffe before it is too late. hunting (poaching) for bushmeat and traditional a hotspot for GSD. In collaboration with local In May 2019, a smaller expert symposium was held as a follow-up in collaboration medicine, and prolonged droughts pose a severe and international conservation partners, GCF will with the Columbus Zoo and linked to the International Giraffid Conference at threat to the survival of Masai giraffe in the wild continue to collect samples in all major ecosystems Columbus, Ohio. In the spirit of collaboration, this symposium was again jointly in the country to increase our understanding hosted by GCF, SCBI and SDZG, where GCF was mandated to take the lead Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of GSD. Our Tanzania programme will also and oversee the initiative. Several collaborative projects and programmes have with the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute target population surveys, and collaborative already evolved out of the forged partnerships and the consortium of organisations (TAWIRI), GCF is helping to drive Masai giraffe and comprehensive genetic sampling of giraffe has pledged continued commitment to giraffe conservation. The results from the conservation efforts and mitigate threats in throughout the country. symposiums will play a valuable role in science-based decision-making for giraffe Tanzania. In December 2019, TAWIRI launched the throughout Africa. first-ever Tanzania National Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2024, which was developed with technical and financial support from GCF and USAID Tanzania PROTECT. This Strategy and Action Plan provides a framework for protecting Convention of Migratory Species Expert Meeting and managing giraffe populations in the country, In 2017, giraffe were added to Appendix II of the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) at COP12 and two primary goals for addressing giraffe based on a proposal that was prepared by GCF for the Government of Angola. As part of this listing, conservation issues were set by stakeholders. giraffe range states were urged to cooperate with conservation measures for giraffe. In June 2019, GCF hosted and facilitated a meeting of African range states on behalf of the Namibian government These two primary goals are set to: and by invitation of the CMS Secretariat in order to develop a ‘Concerted Action for Giraffe’ document. 1. broaden understanding and awareness of giraffe These actions highlight a priority listing of conservation conservation in Tanzania; and measures, including the development of Africa-wide, national and regional plans. The document was submitted 2. reduce the threats to giraffe populations and their to CMS COP13, and was subsequently approved. It is

habitats in Tanzania while increasing benefits to hoped that the CMS concerted actions can be effective the people. tools for initiating and expediting cooperation between the range states on giraffe conservation.

Right: Masai giraffe are listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN RedList. Credit: GCF

29 30 GCF FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Our increasing number of generous donors is a testament to GCF’s success. Again, this year, we received financial Expenditure support from organisations, foundations and private Programme & Grant Expenses donors from over 40 countries. Without this support, (conservation, education & awareness) TOTAL we would not have been able to do our work and $ 919,063 $ 994,298 save giraffe in Africa. Operational & Administrative Expenses $ 75,235

Funds Received

Donations & Grants $ 1,509,230 TOTAL

Other Income $ 64,366 $ 1,573,596 (merchandise sale, interest received and other) 92% 96% 8% 4%

All amounts are in USD. 31 Credit: Giraffe - Pixabay.com 32 Murray Haseler Idea Wild Caldwell Zoo Kristine Karnos Intel Corporation Match Gift Cosley Zoo Christine Kromer Program Demokratische Initiative 100% Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Louise Jakobsen Tempelhofer Feld e.V. Lion Habitat Ranch Kansas City Zoo Sandra Farkas Longnecks for Longnecks Donald & Diane Kendall Frank Buck Zoo Ann Marie Kohlligian Susan Fromkes Los Angeles AAZK Chapter Laura Landau Larry Gogolick DONORS Michele Manos Lion Country Safari AAZK Damon Groun Amy Myers Chapter Phillip Hamilton National Zoo & Aquarium Lonke & Spritz Foundation Brian & Catherin Hayes As our donor list continues to get longer and longer, we have decided to include only those who Canberra Paul Alfred Ludin John & Barbara Hayes donated US$500 and above in this report. However, every donation helps. We appreciate all Out of Africa Wildlife Park Sheryl & Gary Lum Nicholas Kerr-Carpenter your amazing support, and we could not continue with our important work without you Parco Zoo Punta Verde Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Klara Kurowski Rotary Club Windhoek – thank you! Garden Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Sally Seaver Milwaukee County Zoo Donald Livingstone Sedgwick County Zoo Moet Hennessy / Bruce & Eleanor McClear Teddy Bear Artist Glenmorangie Katya Melluish Invitational Inc. Marilyn & Gene Monroe Miller Family Charitable Fund $45,000 and above Jimmy Sanders, Renae Natural Selection Wags & Menace Make a Linda & Bill Murray Northern Pictures Natural Selection Orin & Vicky Oberlander Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Moss & Francesca Conservation Trust Difference Foundation New Zoo Azzara Oston Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Douglass Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo James Weckerle Oklahoma City Zoo Port Lympne Wild Animal Park IUCN Save Our Species / Prabha Sarangi & Aquarium Wilderness Travel Nuri & John Pierce David Posner Plumpton Park Zoological Woburn Safari Park European Union Save Giraffes Now Michael & Marna Powell Irene Preysman Gardens Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Stichting Wildlife Beekse Woodland Park Zoo Roger Williams Park Zoo Redwood Coast AAZK Chapter Riverbank Zoo & Garden Alliance Bergen Zoo Antwerp AAZK Chapter Rio Grande Valley AAZK Milton & Tamar Maltz Family The Born Free Foundation Rufford Foundation Cheryl Rothman Chapter Foundation The Tapeats Fund Gail Stockman $1,000-$2,499 San Antonio Zoo Rolling Hills Zoo Lars Markgren The Waterloo Foundation Carol Suchman Rosenblum Abilene Zoo SCECGS Redlands Lorrie Sielski Naples Zoo at Caribbean Topeka Zoo Pamela Tate Alabama Safari Park Victoria Sujata Carol Smith ARCA Foundation / Parco Gardens Total E&P Uganda Ellen Sullivan Tracy Snow Utah’s Hogle Zoo Natura Viva Oak Foundation Wildlife Conservation Lisa Volgenau Tanganyika Wildlife Park Irwin Solomon Joseph & Velda Boenitz Network World Giraffe Day Gemeinschaft der Förderer Judy Sturtevant Kevin Brown $10,000-$44,999 World Giraffe Day 2019 Celebration Facebook von Tierpark Berlin Duchess Swift Bushwhackers Joseph Vervaecke Kristen Tauber Africam Safari Supporters Group Susan Carey Linda Vidosh Zempel April Thomann African Safari Wildlife Park Zoo New England Central Florida Zoo Virginia Safari Park Thomas/Alson-Milkman African Wildlife Foundation $2,500-$4,999 Dave Cortright Xueling Wang Charitable Fund Auckland Zoo $5,000-$9,999 B Bryan Preserve Colleen Crowley West Midland Safari & CK Torrence III Beauval Nature Alan Bowker & Louise Fay Peggy Barnthouse GigiRaffe Linda Batlin Leisure Park Michael R Tyler Blank Park Zoo Chessington World of Victoria Gordon & Bob in memory of Winnie Mckenna van Koppen Blair Drummond Safari & Chester Zoo Adventures Bradley Woodbury Bettina Weber Adventure Park Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Cranaleith Foundation Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Zoo de la Boissiere du Dore Jeff White Bright Zoo Dallas Zoo Sallyann Garner Museum la Chataigneraie Ramsey Yoder Detroit Zoo Carvel Glenn & Randall Debbie Brown Gulf Breeze Zoo Zoo Lyon Zoo Miami Explorers Against Extinction Lamb Columbus AAZK Chapter Barbara Gural Zoos South Australia Ruby Davis-Rice David Hamilton Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Vaughn Hasslein & Linda Galanthus Foundation Doris Koopman Dickerson Park Zoo $500 - $999 Borders Dan Houk Annabelle & Tom Kozel Dublin Zoo James Anderson Joy Helbing Kratt Family La Passerelle Conservation / El Paso Zoological Society Big Sky Lodges Henry Vilas Zoo Birmingham Zoo Mey Share Foundation Parc Animalier d’Auvergne Charlotte Farber Till Hollmann Boeing Matching Funds Annual Report Design: Safari Collection Longneck Manor Michelle Goldthwaite Honolulu Zoo Gary Brueggeman San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Foundation Michael & JoAnn Hamm KARMA Mary Hunt Janet Buell Karmasloth.com design 33 34 CONTACT / SUPPORT Giraffe Conservation Foundation

Reporting Period: 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 [email protected]

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Save_Giraffe

giraffeconservation.org

35 Above: Illistration Credit: Susan Cipriano from Pixabay 36 Credit: Giraffe - Pixabay.com