Annual Report 2018/19 Note from the Directors The Conservation Foundation is conservation attention, where GCF has free to explore their new home – and cupcakes and the coffee fundraisers to the growing from strength to strength and for the past 13 and 6 years supported the seeing the smiling faces of the local people, large-scale international funders – none of through working together with our amazing conservation of them in Niger and Uganda, especially because many of them have what has been achieved and is still to be team and partners, GCF’s impact on giraffe respectively. GCF is very proud to have never seen a giraffe before or only know achieved could happen. Thank you! conservation and management in Africa been a part of these conservation success them from a distant childhood memory. increases steadily. stories, which clearly show that we can It is important to sometimes sit back and We always say, “It needs a village to save make a difference before it is too late! Join reflect on the impact of our work on African giraffe!” All of you are our village, and There is more interest in giraffe us and be a part of the solution! landscapes and its people. Conservation together we can make a difference. So, let conservation than there has ever been. This translocations are an important tool, one of us all stand tall together for giraffe in Africa! growth in interest is absolutely fantastic While there is still some discussion about many we currently use, but they are also and is, at least in part, a testament to our the exact number of giraffe species, our costly operations. We would like to take the Steph & Julian hard work as well as those we work with. continued research clearly shows that there opportunity to thank all of you for your help Fennessy Governments, conservation organisations, are unmistakeable differences between and support! academic institutions, individuals and, of the types of giraffe, and on account of this course, the media are slowly recognising they should not be mixed through human Working with partners constitutes the core the plight of giraffe. On a personal level, we intervention. While giraffe that are different of GCF’s conservation model. We could hope that the hours spent with journalists from one another are able to produce not do this by ourselves and we have no and film teams pay off and raise the much- viable offspring in , this does not occur intention of attempting to do so. We are needed awareness and support in order for naturally in the wild. We are currently taking proud to call some of the biggest names GCF to continue its conservation efforts for a closer look at potential hybridisation in conservation our close allies: African Africa’s giant friends. in Kenya, where three of the four giraffe Parks Network, Kenya Wildlife Service, species occur in ranges that could Government of Niger, San Diego Towards the end of 2018, the news that potentially overlap. Together with the Kenya Global, Senckenberg Museum, Smithsonian two of the currently recognised giraffe Wildlife Service, we collected over 300 DNA Conservation Biology Institute, Uganda subspecies had been added as ‘Critically samples to find out whether the different Wildlife Authority, and Wildlife Conservation Endangered’ to the IUCN Red List may species mix in the wild; the preliminary Alliance. We are still amazed that our small well have been a shock for many people. results show that they do not! In light of this, organisation is named together with all Uplisting on the Red List is always a we are adamant about doing everything we these extraordinary partners. Without the double-edged sword. Even though the can to keep giraffe as separate species in wonderful support of everyone – from the uplisting calls attention to the critical the wild. International conservation efforts young passionate giraffe fanatic who sells fragility of these giraffe’s existence, it focus on species levels. If giraffe are so also increases conservation awareness different from one another, we need to and draws the relevant attention which make sure this is internationally recognised is absolutely necessary regarding their before it is too late. plight. It also provides GCF with funding opportunities that were previously reserved Helping to move giraffe back into their for other listed species. former ranges is a tremendous privilege. There is little that beats the feeling while On a positive note, two of the recognised watching giraffe run off a truck – wild and giraffe subspecies have been downlisted: the status of West African and Rothschild’s (identical to Nubian) giraffe has been changed from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Near Threatened’, respectively. Both subspecies have received extensive

Above: There are only about 111,000 giraffe remaining in all of Africa and their number has dropped by approx. 30% over the past 30 years. Credit: © Dragica - stock.adobe.com

Cover: Credit: © Richard Carey- stock.adobe.com About GCF 1 The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is the only Key Conservation Partners 3 organisation in the world that concentrates solely on Programmes & Projects in Africa 5

the conservation and management of giraffe in Programme Overview - Four Giraffe Species 6

the wild throughout Africa. Capacity Building 12

Supporting Students 13

United under a common goal, GCF is a family of organisations consisting of GCF Trust Veterinary Training 14 (Namibia), GCF-USA (Ohio, USA), GCF-East Africa (Kenya) and Freunde von GCF (Germany). All four organisations are legally and financially separate entities, working under the umbrella Giraffe Conservation Science Symposium 15 of GCF. Their shared commitment to a sustainable future for all giraffe populations in the wild Twiga Tracker 16 is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding. Giraffe on IUCN RedList 17

World Giraffe Day 20

Giraffe Action Fund 23

Giraffe Conservation Policy & Strategies 25

Conservation Translocations 27

Giraffe Conservation Awareness & Outreach 31

Financial Summary 33

Donors 35

Contact / Support 38

Above: Giraffe herds are thought to be fluid, not forming long and strong bonds with the exception of mothers and their calves. Credit: © Joshua - stock.adobe.com Below: In some areas giraffe are not depen- dent on water, however, this varies across their range. Credit: Pixabay ABOUT GCF

Who is GCF What drives GCF? GCF Objectives & Principle Activities

• An international science-based • To be a bold, independent organisation GCF is dedicated to a sustainable future for all giraffe populations in the wild. conservation organisation that • To not be regimented GCF’s objective is to raise awareness and support towards securing a future for giraffe and provides innovative approache to • To be disciplined and ‘always on’ the conservation of their habitat in Africa, and more specifically to: save giraffe in the wild. • To be an open book • support the conservation of viable and existing habitat for giraffe; • The go-to organisation for giraffe • conservation that is proactive and • To not over-promise identify key threats to giraffe in Africa and develop innovative ways to mitigate these;

reactive, with a strong collaborative • To be passionate • raise awareness of and promote the value of giraffe conservation in African Range and dynamic team working within a States as well as internationally; • To not be afraid of pushing boundaries network of partners on all levels. • plan, develop, implement and administer projects and programmes – including the • To be open-minded and flexible • The leader in supporting a sustainable appointment of project staff – in support of its primary aim, in co-operation with local • future for giraffe in/and their natural To be adaptable communities and partner institutions, as appropriate; • habitats. To build trustworthy • collaborate with local, national and international partners on giraffe conservation partnerships and • An organisation that will continue to efforts in the interests of giraffe conservation in African Range States; relationships organically grow and increase • raise funds for giraffe conservation and management throughout Africa; and awareness to save giraffe in the wild. • maintain a close working relationship with the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) to provide comprehensive awareness and technical support.

1 2

Working with partners constitutes the core of GCF’s values and operational model. Over the past years we have managed to forge key conservation partnerships around the world, particularly throughout Africa. In helping to save giraffe in the wild, we are proud to be able to work closely with all these partnerships.

This financial year, the following key conservation partners have stood out: Partners Key Conservation

3 4 PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

n 2016 the international Union for However, over the past decade GCF and FOUR GIRAFFE SPECIES the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their partner Senckenberg Biodiversity and I with the support of GCF and partners, Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) have completed the first detailed assessment of performed the first-ever comprehensive the conservation status of giraffe, revealing DNA sampling and analysis (genomic, that their numbers are in peril. This was nuclear and mitochondrial) of all major further emphasised when the majority of natural populations of giraffe throughout the IUCN-recognised subspecies were their range in Africa. As a result, an Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in Africa The three subspecies of the recently (re)assessed – two as ‘Critically updated review of the traditional taxonomy Northern giraffe occur across Eastern and Central Africa, with the West African giraffe at Endangered’. While this update further now exists. This study revealed that the western extent of its range in Niger. These giraffe are in the most danger because confirms the real threat to one of Africa’s there are four distinct species of giraffe they either have very low numbers or experience ongoing serious threats (these were most charismatic megafauna, it also and most likely six subspecies. The four highlighted in the 2018 announcement of the IUCN Red List). Even though on the highlights a rather confusing aspect of species are Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi), surface the situation does not appear promising, there is a silver lining because some of giraffe conservation: how many species/ Northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), the individual populations are increasing. Over the last year, GCF has again increased its subspecies of giraffe are there? The Reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata), and efforts for all three subspecies of Northern giraffe. IUCN currently recognises one species Southern giraffe (G. giraffa). Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and nine (G. c. camelopardalis), Kordofan giraffe subspecies of giraffe, which is historically (G. c. antiquorum) and West African giraffe West African giraffe based on outdated assessments of their (G. c. peralta) are the three subspecies of only occur in Niger, and have been in November 2018. Eight West African morphological features and geographic the Northern giraffe. Angolan giraffe recently downlisted from ‘Endangered’ giraffe travelled over 800 kilometres in ranges. The subspecies are thus divided: (G. g. angolensis) and South African to ‘Vulnerable’. The population is now 48 hours and were safely re-introduced Angolan giraffe (G. c. angolensis), giraffe (G. g. giraffa) fall under the estimated at more than 600 individuals. to the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve Kordofan giraffe (G. c. antiquorum

Programmes & projects Programmes & projects ), Masai Southern giraffe. Rothschild’s giraffe is Our small but dedicated team in Niger in Niger, after an absence of almost 50 giraffe (G. c. tippleskirchi), Nubian giraffe genetically identical to the Nubian giraffe, continue to provide valuable financial and years. As a result, Niger now boasts two (G. c. camelopardalis), Reticulated giraffe and thus subsumed into it. Similarly, technical support to the government and populations of West African giraffe. GCF, (G. c. reticulata), Rothschild’s giraffe Thornicroft’s giraffe is genetically similar the Association for the Valorisation of the in collaboration with the local community (G. c. rothschildi), South African giraffe to the Masai giraffe, but is possibly a Ecotourism in Niger (AVEN) regarding and wildlife authority, provides ongoing (G. c. giraffa), Thornicroft’s (G. c. thornicrofti), separate subspecies (G. t. thornicrofti). all aspects of giraffe conservation. As an monitoring support and resources and West African giraffe (G. c. peralta). Based on this research, GCF refers to association of ecotourism guides who for this new population the updated giraffe taxonomy of these facilitate giraffe-based tourism in the of giraffe. four species in all publications and area, AVEN, with the support of GCF, conservation efforts. helps to protect the giraffe population through regular monitoring, supporting bi- annual surveys, and raising awareness of the importance of these animals and their cultural heritage with the local people who share their living space with giraffe in order to help reduce human-giraffe conflict. In support of the Government of Niger and in partnership with the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF), GCF undertook the first-ever translocation of West African giraffe in the country

Above: Female West African giraffe in Niger. Credit: GCF

5 6 Kordofan giraffe Nubian giraffe numbers in the wild are low, and with an of the world’s Kordofan giraffe in the have been recently added as ‘Critically estimated 2,000 spread across some wild. Recent estimates suggest that the Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. of Africa’s more inhospitable countries Zakouma population could constitute an Their numbers have dramatically they were recently listed as ‘Critically even larger part of the world population declined (more than 95%) over the Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. Over of Kordofan giraffe, considering the last three decades. Through our the last few years we have supported impact ongoing civil unrest in other parts ongoing conservation taxonomy work, giraffe conservation efforts by African of Central Africa has had on wildlife we now know that Rothschild’s giraffe Parks to save the last Kordofan giraffe in numbers. The Kordofan Giraffe Project, are actually Nubian giraffe because the Garamba National Park, Democratic which is led by a GCF Conservation they are genetically identical. Despite Republic of Congo. Implemented Fellow, is the first dedicated conservation the fact that Nubian giraffe numbers in close collaboration with an MSc research effort of the newly listed are increasing in Kenya and Uganda, student from the Czech University of ‘Critically Endangered’ Kordofan giraffe their total population number is very Life Sciences, GCF developed a solid within Chad. It aims to provide ongoing low. GCF directs significant efforts for baseline of the population, assessed baseline data for conserving Kordofan their conservation in both countries. the threats, monitored the movements giraffe, which includes an accurate Uganda is one of GCF’s flagship of the giraffe, and drafted a National population count; population structure programmes and we continue to Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action (numbers of females, males, juveniles support a range of giraffe conservation Plan for the country. Most recently a and fatalities); the roll of giraffe in Above: Nubian giraffe in Uganda. Credit: GCF efforts in this country. As a result, local researcher from DRC joined the the Zakouma ecosystem; monitoring giraffe numbers are increasing steadily team, who now coordinates the giraffe giraffe predation and scavengers at and exciting news has been received monitoring with support from GCF. As giraffe carcass sites; identifying the term surveys, initiated in 2014, will be part of this support, GCF has provided most important habitats and vegetation regarding the newly established populations: Lake Mburo boasts 7 invaluable in assessing whether the critical equipment for the local rangers species for the giraffe; and establishing new calves, and at least 8 new calves planned oil developments in the park and funding for monitoring, as well as first-ever (seasonal) movement patterns were spotted on the southern side will have an impact on the local giraffe capacity building opportunities in order within (and possibly outside) the park. of the Nile River in the Murchison population. They will allow all partners to to develop the local rangers’ skills for the In northern Cameroon, GCF financially Falls National Park (NP). After many act swiftly and effectively if changes were long-term management of the population. supported the Bristol Zoological Society decades of them having been absent, to be observed because the vast majority to undertake an assessment of Kordofan In partnership with the Kordofan Giraffe these calves are testament to the of giraffe are individually identified and we have a good understanding of their Project and African Parks Network (AP), giraffe in order to better understand their successful re-introduction of giraffe GCF undertook the first-ever giraffe GPS numbers and distribution. Due to the into these areas. current movement patterns. satellite tagging operation in Chad in security situation in the country, the focus In 2018, GCF provided significant In partnership with UWA, GCF fitted January 2019. Zakouma National Park was on camera trapping and the use/ financial and technical support to solar-powered GPS satellite units to is thought to be home to more than 60% training of drone technology. Cameroon more than 25 giraffe in the Kidepo and the neighbouring Central African UWA. All giraffe populations are surveyed and monitored regularly Valley NP and Murchison Falls NP, Republic are currently facing challenging which includes some of the translocated times of considerable civil unrest and in order to identify trends and establish up-to-date population individuals. Using new and innovative jihadist militant activities. With limited technology helps us to better understand opportunities for field work, GCF works numbers, assess threats, and aid their management. One of the key how they use their habitat, where they with partners such as African Parks move, and to identify potential threats and the Wildlife Conservation Society programmes this year was the translocation of 14 giraffe from the related to these movements (i.e. when to provide technical advice on giraffe they move into community areas or conservation and management efforts Murchison Falls NP to the Kidepo Valley NP to help augment the across the border to South Sudan). throughout all range countries in the As a result, this information will enable region. GCF is committed to making a relatively stagnant existing population. GCF continues to directly support proactive recommendations on how best difference for giraffe in Central Africa to manage these giraffe. before it is too late. Stay tuned for new field partners in the country to monitor Our local partner, Giraffe Education and bigger efforts in the coming year. some of the giraffe populations. Our detailed surveys in the Murchison and Research (GEAR), in Lake Falls NP, conducted together with Mburo National Park continues to the Dartmouth College, are helping monitor the re-introduced giraffe to get a good handle on its large population, particularly their health. population, which is a valuable source The importance of this programme

Left: Kordofan giraffe in Chad. Credit: GCF population for the country. Our long- was recently highlighted when the 7 8 GEAR team reported that one of the new calves appeared to be injured. Southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffe) Southern Africa is home to more than 50% of Africa’s UWA deployed their veterinary team giraffe – a current conservation hotspot for giraffe. Both the Angolan and South African giraffe for a quick intervention. The calf, which subspecies occur throughout the region. had been attacked by a leopard, was With our base in Namibia, the country continues to be one of our focus areas for giraffe conservation. successfully treated. GEAR also focuses Our long-term conservation research and monitoring programme on the desert-adapted Angolan on conducting outreach in communities giraffe in the far northwest communal conservancies is helping to provide a better understanding adjacent to the park, and they regularly of their ecology, behaviour, and seasonal and long-term movement patterns. With limited long- facilitate local school group visits term scientific monitoring data available on giraffe, this programme provides important insights and into the park to increase local information to help guide giraffe conservation in the country as well as throughout Africa. A key awareness of wildlife, particularly component of this programme is training and capacity building while working closely with local and giraffe. Importantly, giraffe have international students, local conservancy members and community-based tourism operators – all to significantly increased the profile increase their education, awareness and support for conserving these giraffe. of Lake Mburo National Park and it is GCF’s work on South African giraffe focuses on Zambia and Zimbabwe, where we continue to build quickly developing into a key tourism relationships with the governments to increase the profile and giraffe-related conservation activities in destination in its own right – which is all order to get giraffe on their conservation agendas. Furthering giraffe conservation in the region is key, part of the increasing industry in and we have initiated conversations with the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation the country. Area Initiative for a KAZA-wide Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan. As most giraffe in In Kenya, we have been undertaking a South Africa live in small management units, GCF’s involvement is limited. year-long assessment with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of Nubian giraffe numbers, dynamics and distribution in two key neighbouring populations: Lake Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata) Nakuru National Park and the Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy. Together with In northern Kenya, the Reticulated the local communities. Increased the Ruma National Park and Mwea giraffe population is rebounding support for Reticulated giraffe Nature Reserve, which we surveyed from an estimated decline of almost conservation is important and last year, these populations make up 80% in the last 30 years. To better is provided through a multi- 90% of Kenya’s Nubian giraffe. A key understand their numbers and range, faceted approach to reduce component of this programme, as with we have partnered closely with the poaching, better understand most other GCF programmes, is the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), San local perceptions, and assess training and capacity building of students Diego Zoo Global, and other local spatial ecology, numbers and and staff of partnering organisations, and international partners: Northern range. With most of Africa’s focusing on field conservation, research Rangeland Trust, The Nature wild Reticulated giraffe and monitoring. As part of this specific Conservancy, Loisaba Conservancy, occurring in Kenya, it is an programme, we are enhancing the Smithsonian Conservation Institute important landscape to protect capacity of the KWS’s and African of Biology, and Senckenberg collaboratively with Fund for Endangered Wildlife – Giraffe Museum. Through this initiative we its people. Center’s staff in Nairobi. play a valuable role in encouraging All giraffe conservation efforts in Kenya community-based conservation efforts are guided by the National Giraffe within the Reticulated giraffe range. Recovery Plan, which was launched As part of this initiative, Twiga Walinzi by the KWS in 2018. As part of GCF’s (Swahili for Giraffe Guards) work efforts to increase conservation and across a large landscape in northern management, together with KWS we Kenya to monitor the Reticulated facilitated and co-hosted the first-ever giraffe population, as well as provide National Nubian Giraffe Working Group valuable education and awareness in meeting at Soysambu Conservancy. This meeting offered the first opportunity for partners to come together and discuss and plan the conservation management of Nubian giraffe in Kenya. The meeting laid the basis for Nubian giraffe Right: Reticulated conservation in Kenya – a true success! giraffe in Kenya. 9 Credit: GCF 1010 CAPACITY BUILDING

While GCF has established itself as the leader in giraffe conservation, we are also Masai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchi) helping to build the future of giraffe conservation in Africa and internationally. GCF Gaining a better understanding of discussions and the development of continues to support a host of local and international students at different levels, all Kenya and Tanzania’s Masai giraffe the first-ever draft Tanzanian Giraffe working throughout the continent to save giraffe. population is important as this Country Profile which outlines their giraffe species is the second most conservation status and threats, numerous on the continent – despite a historical and current. Additional to considerable drop in the last 30 years. the above, valuable support from KEEP As part of these efforts, we have World Giraffe Day 2017 helped to The Komas Environmental Education Programme GCF employs a young and enthusiastic team of provided valuable technical support equip our team and partners across (KEEP) has become one of the key programmes of three to implement KEEP. All three are recent Nature to finalise the first National Giraffe the Masai giraffe range in southern GCF. Since its inception in 2016, over 6,600 primary Conservation graduates from the Namibia University of Conservation Strategy and Action Kenya this year with much-needed school students and over 200 teachers have directly Science and Technology, providing a positive role model Plan in Kenya, which was launched monitoring tools in an effort to better participated in this field-based conservation programme. for young Namibians. in December 2018; contributed to understand the impact and drivers In 2018 alone, over 2,500 Grade 3 and 4 students from “Our team just loves the opportunity to share our passion the first-ever Masai giraffe IUCN of illegal hunting (poaching), human 26 different schools enjoyed a fun day with our team in for giraffe and nature with young learners every day. Not Red List Assessment; and facilitated perceptions of giraffe locally, and to the bush, where they learned about their environment many of our fellow graduates enjoy their jobs as much support transboundary conservation and how best to conserve it. as we do! It is also exhausting at times – especially on movement of giraffe. We are KEEP’s aim is to get ‘city kids’ out of the classroom and hot summer days – but still, we love what we are doing.” also slowly developing a better into nature. This takes place in a small game reserve – Naemi Antonius, KEEP team leader at GCF. understanding of local communities’ 20km outside of Windhoek, the Namibian capital. During KEEP is now entering its fourth year of operation, and views and perceptions of giraffe in an exciting day in the bush, the students spend time GCF is committed to making the programme accessible southern Kenya. This understanding tracking wildlife, identifying plants and animals, and to all schools and working hard to source outside funding is important as it helps to guide learning more about environmental challenges that have to provide a free service whenever possible. action planning for the National an impact on conservation in Namibia. GCF believes KEEP Working Group of Masai giraffe, that KEEP can help build a culture of environmental is endorsed and supported by the which GCF has technically and awareness, and social responsibility and action that Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) as well financially supported. will equip our future leaders with the skills to live more as the Ministry of Education. Both ministries have recognised the need for a dedicated Environmental In Zambia, through one of our key sustainably. Education programme in the region. partners, the Leiden Conservation There is never a dull day in the bush and no two field The KEEP Foundation, we continue to days are ever the same. The students get to see field experience is best summarised support the long-term giraffe different wildlife and participate in exciting activities in some of the teachers’ feedback: conservation efforts of the Zambian and games. The one thing that is a certainty is that the “My highlight of the KEEP field day was the joy on my Carnivore Programme, in close students love their time out with KEEP. This experience learners’ faces. Some of them have never seen a giraffe collaboration with Conservation helps the children to connect and develop a positive or a zebra before. Thanks to KEEP, now they have.” South Luangwa, in anti-poaching attitude towards nature as well as each other – it is a “My best highlight of the day was seeing my learners and giraffe monitoring. Using first step for many towards becoming custodians of their enjoy tracking animals. They enjoyed learning about the individual photographic mark- beautiful Namibia. importance of protecting the environment and were all recapture surveys, a more accurate fascinated by all the things they learnt about nature.” assessment of the population in the Luangwa Valley has indicated that more giraffe are present than previously thought. This is exciting Above: Masai giraffe in Tanzania. Credit: Billy Dodson news and the work is forming part of an MSc project we are supporting, linking the real need to build capacity of our future conservationists.

11 12 As part of its programme to help build the capacity of conservation leaders throughout Africa and internationally, GCF also provided Veterinary Training financial and/or technical advice and supervision to a host of students.

These students are as follows: Another important aspect of supporting giraffe conservation is providing additional professional training for young African professionals. There are many well trained and capable wildlife Ali Abagana (Niger), PhD Arthur Muneza (Kenya), PhD veterinarians working in African government positions. Most of their experience is gained over time – Maridi University, Niger – Michigan State University, USA on the job, under the guidance of experienced senior staff. Game capture and wildlife demobilisation

is a part of their jobs, and this requires a lot of experience and confidence. Some of this experience Michael Brown (Uganda), PhD Symon Masiaine Ole Ranah (Kenya), MSc Students and confidence can be ‘leap-frogged’ by attending the 10-day intensive Chemical and Physical – Dartmouth College, USA – Michigan State University, USA

Supporting Supporting Capture of Wildlife Course in Malilangwe, Zimbabwe. Gaining acceptance for this course is very

Anna Lena Burger (Namibia), PhD David O’Connor (Kenya), PhD competitive, but a targeted partnership enabled us to support a young African veterinarian, who was – Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany – Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany nominated and sponsored by GCF. This year, Dr Domnic Mijele from the Kenya Wildlife Service was offered the opportunity. During his successful participation he learned new skills and Mathias D’haen (DRC), MSc Marine Simonet (Niger), MSc techniques which he can now put to use in his daily work in Kenya. – University of Life Sciences, Czech Republic – Paris Diderot University, France In addition to the training, course participants also establish important Kateřina Gašparova (Niger), PhD Eric Thiel (Namibia), PhD networks which they – Czech University of Life Sciences, Czech Republic – Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany can call upon in the future for ad hoc advice Jackson Hamutenya (Namibia), MSc Matthew Wachira (Kenya), MSc or to source drugs – Namibian University of Science and – Nairobi University, Kenya and other veterinary Technology, Namibia equipment that might be difficult to find. We Emma Hart (Namibia), PhD are excited to continue – University College Dublin, Ireland / Namibian this support for additional University of Science and Technology, Namibia African veterinarians in the years to come.

Above: Giraffe are some of the most charismatic megafauna. Let’s all stand tall to ensure their 1313 future in Africa. Credit: Pixabay 14 Giraffe Conservation Science Twiga Tracker Symposium Populations of giraffe, one of the most questions that must be better understood charismatic species on Earth, have dwindled in order to secure a future for all giraffe precipitously over the past few decades. populations in Africa: Now considered ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ by • Taxonomy: How many different giraffe are the IUCN, it is estimated that approximately there? What genetic tools can we use to 111,000 giraffe remain. better understand giraffe? The causes of population declines are multi- What other tools exist to help understand fold. Habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, why they do not interbreed? competition with livestock, and local bush • Ecology: How many giraffe are there really meat trading are all major factors; however, in Africa and where do they live? How do all of them are most likely linked to human they use their habitat? What key habitats population growth. Conserving giraffe, as with and forage is needed to conserve them? any wildlife species in Africa, is complex and • Health: it requires both scientific understanding and What is causing the emerging skin

action from multiple stakeholders. disease, and what impact does disease have on their survival? What can we learn in In May 2018, 35 experts, working directly Above: Fitting GPS satellite tracking units to the wild to better look after captive giraffe giraffe is no easy task. Credit Credit: Ami Vitale on giraffe or in thematic areas relevant to and vice versa? What other key giraffe conservation-based decision-making, from medicine-oriented questions do we need Using modern technology to save giraffe and their habitat NGOs, academia and African governments to understand? came together to develop a unifying • Human dimensions: How are giraffe As giraffe are the towers of the African savannah, understand their needs now to help protect these Africa-wide Giraffe Conservation Science it makes perfect sense that we initiated the Africa- threatened giraffe and their refuges. While technology Management Framework. During this first-ever perceived in Africa by Africans? Is giraffe wide Twiga Tracker (‘twiga’ is Swahili for giraffe) can help conservation, is important to compliment Giraffe Conservation Science Symposium, trade a threat to giraffe? programme to better understand what the different these technological advances with on-ground field- the group identified key gaps that need In the spirit of collaboration, the Symposium giraffe species are doing throughout the continent. based monitoring to understand the full picture. GCF, Twiga Tracker is the largest giraffe GPS satellite in collaboration with UWA and other partners such further assessment as well as opportunities was jointly hosted by the Giraffe Conservation tracking programme ever in Africa. Giraffe were listed as Dartmouth College, USA, have done just that for for developing partnerships and working Foundation, San Diego Zoo Global, as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ on the IUCN Red List the past four years and the results are helping us to collaboratively throughout Africa to help save Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate of Threatened Species in 2016, and as such it is a make informed management decisions, especially giraffe before it is too late. Research Centre, and the Smithsonian perfect time to increase our efforts. in light of increased infrastructure development in Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) at To save giraffe in Africa, we need to gain a better some of their key areas. This is just one example of Four key thematic areas were identified, the valuable findings helping GCF and its partners to each including the most burning their campus in Front Royal, Virginia, USA. understanding of where giraffe live, where they move, This initiative is just the beginning, and we and how they use their habitat. Twiga Tracker aims to better manage giraffe in the wild. hope that more experts, organisations, track a minimum of 250 giraffe throughout their range When fitting each unit an expert veterinary team governments and institutions will join us with innovative GPS satellite solar units. coordinates the effort and, at the same time, Twiga Tracker is a collaborative initiative of some of important biodata is collected, which includes to find sustainable solutions for giraffe measurements, genetic and blood samples, skin conservation in Africa. the biggest names in field conservation and science. GCF leads this initiative and has partnered with the disease assessment, tail hair samples, etc., while the Giraffe Conservation Science Symposium Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, San giraffe are also treated with medication to help with Participating Organisations: African Wildlife Diego Zoo Global, BiK-F Senckenberg and Wildlife potential current and future health problems. Foundation, Brown University, Center for Conservation Alliance to achieve this logistically and Since their first use, giraffe satellite units have gone Conservation Peacebuilding, Cheyenne financially ambitious goal. through quite a design evolution. These new units Over the past year, GCF fitted GPS satellite units are small (i.e. the size of 3 matchboxes) and less Mountain Zoo, Dartmouth College, Giraffe obtrusive, and they have increased technology and Conservation Foundation, Kenya Wildlife to almost 50 giraffe in Africa (25 in Uganda, 13 in Namibia, 8 in Chad, 3 in Niger) in order to better battery capacity compared to the giraffe collars Service, Sahara Conservation Fund, San understand their spatial movements and habitat and head harnesses that were used in the past. Diego Zoo Global, Senckenberg Biodiversity use in the wild. Uganda is at the forefront of giraffe Interestingly, the first-ever giraffe GPS satellite and Climate Research Centre, Smithsonian conservation with these trials of new technology. units were trialled by GCF Directors Dr Julian & Conservation Biology Institute, Tanzania In recent years, the UWA conducted three Steph Fennessy in Namibia in 2001, and several successful giraffe translocations and the country design iterations have since evolved. Developed in Wildlife Research Institute, Utah State partnership with Savannah Tracking, Kenya, GCF University and Vulcan. recently finalised its first-ever draft National Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan – all with the has continued to adapt these new light-weight solar support of GCF. powered units, and have already fitted them to giraffe in several African countries. Nubian giraffe numbers have dropped by >95% in 15 the past 30 years alone, and it is critical to better 16 Even though conservation efforts benefit some giraffe, others are in serious trouble…

he International Union for Conservation Africa are doing just fine, the world’s tallest of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened animal is under severe pressure in some of Species once again drew attention to its core ranges across East, Central and West the plight of giraffe. The IUCN Red List Africa. It may come as a shock that two of the revealed that they are in serious trouble, currently recognised nine subspecies are now Twith some now being considered as ‘Critically considered ‘Critically Endangered’, but we have Endangered’. Many people first became aware of been sounding the alarm for a few years now.” – the declining numbers of the iconic giraffe when they says Dr Julian Fennessy, co-chair of the IUCN SSC were uplisted to ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List in GOSG, and Director of the Giraffe Conservation 2016. The IUCN Red List update for 2018 comes as Foundation (GCF) a further reminder that some of the currently IUCN- In spite of this, there is also positive news in this recognised giraffe subspecies are in real trouble. latest IUCN announcement. Two subspecies From our side, GCF is happy to have played an that were previously considered ‘Endangered’ integral role in the review of all seven subspecies, (West African and Rothschild’s giraffe) have since where many members of the team were leading improved their conservation status. Concerted authors and a considerable amount of data was efforts by African governments and conservation COMMON NAME PREVIOUS RED LIST UPDATED RED LIST STATUS collected during our work and that of our partners organisations, under the guidance and support of throughout the continent. GCF, have resulted in increasing numbers of both Kordofan giraffe Not assessed Critically Endangered The conservation status of seven of the currently subspecies, and as a result have been downlisted to IUCN-recognised nine giraffe subspecies has been ‘Vulnerable’ and ‘Near Threatened’, respectively. assessed – five of these subspecies for the first “This is a conservation success story and time ever. For many, it comes as a shock that two highlights the value of making proactive giraffe Nubian giraffe Not assessed Critically Endangered of the giraffe subspecies are now listed as ‘Critically conservation and management efforts in critical Endangered’ (Kordofan and Nubian giraffe), and one populations across the continent. Working species as ‘Endangered’ (Reticulated giraffe), while collaboratively with governments and other Masai giraffe Not assessed Endangered the others range from ‘Vulnerable’ (Thornicroft’s partners, we feel that our proactive measures are and West African giraffe) to ‘Near Threatened’ saving giraffe in some areas before it is too late. (Rothschild’s giraffe). Only the Angolan giraffe – It is now timely to increase our efforts, especially with their stronghold in Botswana, Namibia and for those listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ and Reticulated giraffe Not assessed Endangered Zimbabwe – seem to be out of trouble and were ‘Endangered’.” – says Arthur Muneza, East-Africa listed as ‘Least Concern’. Only the South African and Coordinator of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation Masai giraffe are yet to be assessed. While South and member of the IUCN SSC GOSG. African giraffe appear to be doing well, Masai giraffe Thornicroft’s giraffe Not assessed Vulnerable have plummeted and will most likely be placed While IUCN still recognises giraffe as one species within one of the threatened categories of the IUCN with nine subspecies, detailed collaborative genetic- Red List. based research carried out by GCF and its partners and Senckenberg BiK highlights that there are The updated assessments of these giraffe West African giraffe Endangered (2008) Vulnerable four distinct species of giraffe – elevating some of subspecies were undertaken by the IUCN Species the newly assessed subspecies to species level. Survival Commission (SSC) Giraffe & Okapi While this might appear an academic exercise, the Specialist Group (GOSG), which was hosted by the conservation implications are immense and they Rothschild’s giraffe Endangered (2010) Near Threatened Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and the need to be reviewed as a matter of urgency. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) – who already, Northern giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), which two years ago, sounded the alarm for the ‘silent includes the ‘Critically Endangered’ Kordofan and extinction’ of giraffe. Nubian giraffe and the ‘Vulnerable’ West African Angolan giraffe Not assessed Least Concern “Whilst giraffe are commonly seen on safari, giraffe, and Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulate) in the media and in zoos, people – including can be considered some of the most threatened conservationists – are unaware that these large mammals in the wild, showing less than majestic animals are undergoing a silent 5,200 and 15,785 individuals remaining in the wild, South African giraffe Not assessed Not assessed extinction. While giraffe populations in southern respectively.

17 18 Human population growth poses the largest threat to giraffe in Africa today. World Giraffe Day 2018: Habitat loss and changes through expanding agriculture and mining, illegal hunting, increasing human-wildlife conflict, and civil unrest are all factors Operation Twiga III that are pushing giraffe towards extinction. However, with GCF giraffe have a strong advocate. Kidepo Valley National Park

With highly successful Nubian giraffe translocations and experience in giraffe capture and translocation. Steph Fennessy, Director of GCF and member of the IUCN SSC GOSG, under the belt, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) It was with this experience, after a year of extensive and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) joined planning and more than a little bit of courage and great points out that “the updated IUCN Red List assessment highlights what forces again for Operation Twiga III in August 2018 collaboration of partners, that the challenge of moving (‘twiga’ is Swahili for giraffe). In its third consecutive 14 giraffe a distance of 600km was accomplished we have been saying for years: giraffe are in trouble and there is no one year, the bar was raised to help secure a future for without any losses. The decision to move giraffe north Nubian giraffe in the country with the most ambitious to the Kidepo Valley NP was taken not only to shift solution to giraffe conservation in Africa. Different scenarios require translocation to date for Uganda. While both Operation some giraffe away from the pressures of oil drilling, but Twiga I (January 2016) and Operation Twiga II (August also to augment the Nubian giraffe population in this different approaches. As a small but impactful organisation, GCF works 2017) focused on moving a total of 37 Nubian giraffe park. In the late 1980s, the local giraffe population in from the north side of the Murchison Falls NP across the Kidepo Valley NP had dropped to three individuals with partners throughout Africa to enhance giraffe conservation on the the Nile River by ferry to the southern sector of the due to poaching pressure. In 1997, three giraffe were park – no small feat by any means! – Operation Twiga flown from Kenya to the park to give the population a ground and, at the same time, collaborates internationally to rally support III involved the translocation of 14 Nubian giraffe boost. While the two females fared well, the male was from the Murchison Falls National Park to the Kidepo unfortunately predated soon after arrival by lion. In April and awareness for giraffe, which will ultimately help to save them Valley NP, which was a journey of no less than 600 2018, the GCF survey estimated the giraffe population of in the wild.” kilometres! the park at 36 individuals. This small giraffe population As with the previous operations, the translocation is expected to benefit from the new genetics that have of these giraffe was driven by the imminent drilling arrived with the new additions from the Murchison Falls for oil and placement of a pipeline within the NP, which will result in a more stable and Murchison Falls NP, which is anticipated to begin fortified population. in 2020. The Nubian giraffe, a subspecies of the Northern giraffe, is listed as ‘Critically Operation Twiga III was completed over Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List with the course of three weeks. The UWA only an estimated 2,645 individuals in the team, together with GCF and staff from wild. Murchison Falls NP is currently the Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre home to >50% of the wild population (UWEC) and multiple international of Nubian giraffe. To aid their members from various zoological conservation and protection, institutions such as Cheyenne additional founder populations Mountain Zoo, Cleveland of these giraffe continue to Metroparks Zoo and Colorado be established within other State University, spent the parts of the Murchison Falls first two weeks individually NP as well as other parks capturing 10 female sub- in Uganda. As one of the adult giraffe and transporting first countries in Africa to them to a temporary holding develop a draft National Giraffe Conservation pen (boma) that had been built in the Murchison Strategy and Action Plan, Falls NP. Following this Uganda is on the frontline first groups’ release, an of giraffe conservation additional 4 giraffe (three and fully committed to females and one male) were the protection of Nubian captured in the final week. giraffe. The giraffe were kept in Over the past two years the boma to allow the time and with the valuable needed for them to calm support of GCF, UWA has down and to minimise gained great knowledge stress prior to their long

Above: Human encroachment is greatly impacting giraffe habitat across Africa: Masai giraffe in Nairobi National Park, 19 Kenya. Credit: © Wollwerth Imagery - stock.adobe.com 20 journey north. After a few days of acclimation, transport with the Ugandan team. Additional the giraffe (in batches of five) were loaded on to veterinary staff from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the transport truck and the ten-hour drive began. Colorado State University College of Veterinary During capture, two of the females were also fitted Medicine and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo continued with solar powered GPS satellite units in order to the work set forth previously on monitoring monitor their movements within the new park and anaesthesia and wild giraffe health in the field. to contribute to ongoing spatial ecology studies. Passionate individuals in giraffe conservation from Australia, Namibia and Sweden rounded out the team brought together by GCF to support UWA in The giraffe were closely monitored throughout the all their efforts. journey and care was taken while navigating a slightly harrowing mountain pass, and to avoid low hanging electrical wires, tree branches and bumps Operation Twiga III is a shining example of just in the road. The entire team was blown away by how much can be accomplished when passionate how calm the giraffe remained during this long trip. people come together – and this does not only Nothing seemed to phase these amazing animals, refer to the team that is in action. Operation Twiga even while traveling through busy city centres III would not have been possible without the and while passing gales of laughter, singing and generous funding support from around the world, excited shouts from bystanders along the way. the majority of which was raised during World It was truly wonderful to see the reactions of the Giraffe Day 2018. Ugandan people when they turned and saw giraffe heads poking out above a cluster of shrubbery on the truck. As if all of this was not enough, the first We would like to use this opportunity to thank all our supporters for their generous funding and for five giraffe were released into the Kidepo Valley NP under a brilliant rainbow – no better welcome helping us to educate a wider audience on the could have been imagined. The trip was repeated plight of giraffe; and the entire team lead by UWA twice more, with a total of 14 giraffe released into for their truly amazing conservation effort all round, the Kidepo Valley NP. The team was excited not especially veterinarians Dr Robert Aruho, Dr only about the successful release of their final Margaret Driciru and Dr Patrick Atimnedi. load, but also because some of the female giraffe that had been introduced only a week earlier were seen in the company of a few of the old Kidepo giraffe bulls close to the release site.

In addition to this successful translocation (which Dr Robert Aruho, UWA’s lead organising veterinarian, very aptly described as the highlight of his career), the team also attended to three giraffe that were spotted during the captures. These giraffe were ensnared with wire traps, which were successfully untangled and removed. Poaching is an increasing threat to wildlife within the Murchison Falls NP. While giraffe are not usually the target species, they are often inadvertent victims – getting their limbs caught in snare traps that are set for smaller mammals. If these snares are not removed and the lesions treated in a timely manner, the giraffe will suffer from debilitating wounds, as evidenced by scarring around the lower limbs (and sometimes even limb amputation) of numerous giraffe in the park. Locating and treating these three individuals during the operation only strengthened the enormous impact on giraffe conservation these three weeks brought, along with the broader GCF- UWA efforts in country.

Similar to Operation Twiga I & II, this translocation was made even more incredible through the effective collaboration of multiple international Above: Young Nubian giraffe ready to be load- institutions. Once again, GCF supported Dr Pete ed and transported to Kidepo Valley National Morkel in joining the team to share his extensive Park - helping to secure a future for giraffe in expertise in megaherbivore game capture and 21 north-east Uganda. Credit: © GCF 22 he Giraffe Action Fund allows GCF to increase field conservation and management actions for giraffe throughout Africa, and to direct Tsupport towards focused conservation actions that directly benefit

giraffe in the wild NOW. In addition to financial support, the GCF team also provides technical and field support for some projects. The Giraffe Action Fund identifies and supports the most innovative field conservation actions and campaigns that CHAD directly protect and promote conservation of these iconic NIGER species. This support goes to: • Action efforts to increase giraffe numbers, distribution and habitat; UGANDA ETHIOPIA • Action efforts for giraffe anti-poaching throughout the continent; and CENTRAL • Action conservation education and awareness AFRICAN programmes to save giraffe and to minimise their REPUBLIC biggest threats. Each of these actions encourages new levels of collaboration, partnerships and networking among and between governments, local KENYA and international organisations, conservationists and donors. They can extend across different land management types that are suitable for giraffe conservation: protected areas, forestry lands, community lands and private lands. BENIN TANZANIA Investments by the Giraffe Action Fund include efforts to increase giraffe DEMOCRATIC Giraffe Action Fund range, reduce human-giraffe conflict, enhance law enforcement, and REPUBLIC OF develop national/regional strategies and actions; campaigns to increase CONGO education or raise awareness; and strategies to secure habitat in which CAMEROON giraffe can roam freely.

ZAMBIA

ANGOLA

Anti-poaching Technical Support MALAWI ZIMBABWE Capacity Building / Education Translocation

Equipment Vehicle Support NAMIBIA

Survey Support

23 24 Giraffe Conservation Policy & Strategies National Giraffe Conservation Strategy & Action Plan Development

DRC TANZANIA In 2018, with the technical support of GCF, In 2018, Tanzania embarked on its journey of DRC developed its first-ever National Giraffe developing the country’s first National Giraffe CHAD Conservation Strategy and Action Plan. The African Conservation Strategy and Action Plan. Technical In 2018, with the support of several African Parks Network and L’Institut Congolais pour la and financial support from GCF and USAID governments, the government of the Republic Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) drafted the plan Protect the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute of Chad submitted a proposal to the Convention before its subsequent endorsement. Despite the brought stakeholders together to collectively share on International Trade in Endangered Species of fact that DRC has a small giraffe population, this knowledge on giraffe and their management. A Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to add giraffe to Strategy and Action Plan will draft plan is currently in circulation amongst all Appendix II at the Conference of Parties (CITES help guide the recovery of participants before final endorsement by all CoP18) in Geneva, Switzerland in August 2019. this population. government parties. A National Working Group, supported GCF was asked by several governments and conservation partners to provide independent by GCF, was established to scientific advice about the proposed listing to initiate its implementation KENYA assist with their discussions. This financial year and monitoring. saw the first-ever Recovery and Action Plan for Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in Kenya (2018-2022) being launched. GCF played a valuable role in both the development and launch of this plan through the provision of technical and financial support. Furthermore, GCF supported the Kenya Wildlife Service in establishing species-specific Working Groups in the country in order to guide and monitor the conservation and management efforts of the three Kenyan giraffe species: Masai, Nubian and Reticulated giraffe. Long-term implementation of this plan is key to the conservation success of giraffe in Kenya. Each of these Working Groups have identified priority actions for giraffe conservation as well as areas were partner organisations can assist with their UGANDA implementation. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is NIGER committed to endorsing its GCF continues to play a leading role in helping to first National Giraffe Conservation implement and monitor Niger’s second National Strategy and Action Plan, and is presently Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan. As working through an internal endorsement one of the poorest countries in the world, Niger process of finalisation. GCF played a key role was the first country in Africa to develop such in the development of this plan through the a plan for giraffe. Niger’s giraffe conservation provision of financial and technical support, and success is evident through the steady increase in has subsequently initiated an annual review of numbers and a second (satellite) population that the plan through the establishment of a National has now been established in their former rage. Working Group which is led by UWA. GCF recently supported the establishment of a Above: Large male Kordofan giraffe in Zakouma National Giraffe Working Group in Niger to guide National Park, Chad - home to an estimated 60% the implementation of the plan. of the world’s Kordofan giraffe population. 25 Credit: © Fiona MacKay 26

Conservation translocations have become an important part of GCF’s work throughout Africa. Experience has shown that giraffe thrive NIGER In the mid-1990s there were only 49 West African when moved back into secure areas and their numbers steadily increase. In Niger GCF, in support of the Government of Niger and in partnership with the Sahara Conservation Fund giraffe left in the wild, and as a result the subspecies Working with local partners is important for laying the groundwork (SCF), undertook the first-ever translocation of West was listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2008. Comprehensive before their reintroduction. It is vital to have all partners on board and African giraffe in the country. After an absence of almost 50 years, 8 West African giraffe travelled over conservation efforts by the Government of Niger, in to prepare local communities for the arrival of giraffe in their areas as 800 kilometres in 48 hours to be safely re-introduced collaboration with local and international partners, they may have never before seen giraffe in their lives. to the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve in Niger. have triggered an amazing recovery of the West African giraffe population to over 600 individuals

Operation Sahel Giraffe commenced in today. This positive trend resulted in the downlisting Moving giraffe is not easy and it is often an expensive operation – it early November 2018, after a year of of West African giraffe to ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List in November 2018. literally takes a village to move giraffe back into their former range. meticulous preparation. Eight giraffe were individually captured in the ‘Giraffe Zone’ International partners and donors are vital for the success of these and transferred to a boma, where they This re-introduction of West African were kept for more than three weeks to giraffe to their former range in Niger aims programmes. GCF is excited to be at the forefront of giraffe conservation prepare them for the long journey. The giraffe were to establish a second viable population and the expansion of their range in Africa. then transported in two groups of four, an arduous of the subspecies in support of their conservation in a healthy and well-managed Conservation Conservation journey for both the giraffe and the team, before their Translocations successful release in the Gadabedji ecosystem. Once widespread throughout This financial year, GCF supported three major giraffe Biosphere Reserve. West Africa, including Senegal, Mauritania, Mali and Nigeria, West African giraffe now only occur translocations in Malawi, Almost 50 years ago giraffe became locally extinct in Niger. In the ‘Giraffe Zone’ West African giraffe Niger and Uganda. in the Gadabedji area because of drought and illegal share their habitat with local communities, where hunting. Since 2013 Niger’s Wildlife Authority, with they compete for space and resources. Their threats support from the Niger Fauna Corridor Project/UNDP, include agricultural encroachment, climate change has worked diligently towards restoring the region’s and variability, human population growth, and natural wildlife and their habitat. The re-introduction of giraffe resource over-exploitation. As a result of a growing giraffe population and increasing human population will further enrich the reserve’s biodiversity pressure, giraffe have started to migrate out of the and contribute to increasing community development and support in the region. ‘Giraffe Zone’. This movement out of the ‘Giraffe Zone’ finds the giraffe in conflict situations with human populations that are unaccustomed to their presence in Niger, and too close to the insecure border areas with Mali.

Above & Left: Translocation trucks come in different shapes and sizes. A skilled and patient driver is vital for a smooth ride and the safe travel of the giraffe. Credit: © GCF

27 28 MALAWI UGANDA Post-translocation monitoring is critical for translocation has brought Malawian national numbers After an absence of more than 100 years, GCF GCF continues to provide significant conservation the success of the giraffe in Gadabedji. GCF to just over 30 animals. This project came at an partnered with African Parks (AP) and Malawi’s support for Nubian giraffe in Uganda. The provided equipment for and supports the new urgent time when in mid-November the Department of National Parks and Wildlife number of giraffe populations in the country community eco-guards in the Gadabedji IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (DNPW) to establish a new giraffe has doubled from two to four over the last Biosphere Reserve. Since their release, this announced that several giraffe subspecies population in Malawi. few years. Giraffe numbers are steadily new team has been instrumental in ensuring are now threatened. The translocation of increasing in the country and their recovery their safety and have at times helped to South African giraffe to the Majete Wildlife In October 2018 and after a 2,500 km can be considered a true conservation shepherd the giraffe safely back to the core Reserve hopes to establish a viable population road journey from South Africa, 9 giraffe success story. World Giraffe Day 2018 was conservation area. The ‘village’ network in the of the species that will support their conservation were safely released into the Majete Wildlife dedicated to raising support to augment the reserve is an amazing asset and we are proud throughout the region. Reserve in southern Malawi. Of all the Nubian giraffe population in the Kidepo Valley to be part of it. translocations to date, this journey covered the National Park. Read more about it in the section on Creating safe wilderness areas for giraffe populations longest travelling distance. World Giraffe Day. Operation Sahel Giraffe has been a to grow is essential for securing their future in partnership between the Giraffe Conservation An additional 4 giraffe from the nearby Nyala Park Africa. In Majete, the founding Foundation, the Sahara Conservation Fund, were introduced, totalling 13 giraffe that now make of a new giraffe population Niger’s Ministry of Environment, and the Niger up the new giraffe population in the Majete Wildlife forms part of the reserve’s Fauna Corridor Project/UNDP. Reserve. development as a flagship wildlife sanctuary, benefitting This reserve, which has been under the management local communities and affording of AP since 2003, has been hailed as a national people in Malawi the opportunity success story with regard to the restoration of to see the world’s tallest land its wildlife and its provision of benefits to local mammal while supporting giraffe communities. The introduction of giraffe will further conservation efforts. Undertaken enrich the reserve’s biodiversity; it will increase in partnership with AP, support tourism which will enhance the already emerging for the translocation was provided conservation-led economy; and it will support by the Sundaram Family, Illovo community development. Sugar, Nkhanga Essential Support Services, and While southern Africa has a robust population Markus Jebsen. of giraffe, very few are present in Malawi. This

Above & Insert: It needs a village to capture and move a giraffe. 29 Credit: © GCF 30 31 Giraffe Conservation Awareness & Outreach Hopefully itworks–pleasetakealook! that showcasesthewiderangeofprogrammesweareinvolvedin. which nowhasaclean,freshlookwitheasilyaccessibleinformation GCF hasrecentlylauncheditsbrandnewandupdatedwebsite, Bercovitch, F., Carter, K., Fennessy, J. & Tutchings, A. 2018. Giraffa important publications. hard togetup-to-dateinformationongiraffe outtoawiderpublic.Hereislistofrecent While ourfocusisongiraffe conservationaction,GCFandpartnerscontinuetowork As ascience-basedorganisation,weareonlytooawarehowlittleknowaboutgiraffe. Publications GCF Internationally 2018: e.T88420717A88420720. Red List of Red Listof Threatened Species2018:e.T88421020A88421024. of camera trap data.of 2019. Giraffe SkinDisease Quantifying theseverityof viaphotogrammetry analysis Swanson, A., Kosmala, M., Dickman, A.J., Macdonald, D.W. andMontgomery, R.A. Muneza, A.B., Ortiz-Calo, W., Packer, C., Cusack, J.J., Jones, T., Palmer, M.S., http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T88420707A88420710.en populations decline”. Muneza, A.B. andMuruana, M.W. 2018. “Sticking yournecks out forgiraffe as http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T88420717A88420720.en. T. 2018. Muneza, A., Doherty, J.B., Hussein Ali, A., Fennessy, J., Marais, A., O’Connor, D. & Wube, http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T88420726A88420729.en. angolensis. Marais, A., Fennessy, J., Fennessy, S., Brand, R. &Carter, K. 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T174469A51140829.en. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T136913A51140803.en Threatened Species2018:e.T136913A51140803. Fennessy, J., Marais, A. & Tutchings, A. 2018. Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. peralta. The IUCNRed Listof http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T88420742A88420817.en. Species 2018:e.T88420742A88420817. Fennessy, J. &Marais, A. 2018. Giraffa http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T88421036A88421121.en ssp. tippelskirchi. Bolger, D., Ogutu, J., Strauss, M., Lee, D., Muneza, A., Fennessy, J. &Brown, D. 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T88421020A88421024.en. e.T88420707A88420710. ssp. camelopardalis. Wube, T., Doherty, J.B., Fennessy, J. &Marais, A. 2018. Giraffa Malawi. 231Conservation Geneticsdoi:10.1007/s10592-018-01142-4. giraffe230 Speciesassignment intheRepublic andconservationgeneticsof of Winter, S., Coimbra, R.T.F., Bronec, A., Hay, C. Salb, A.L., Fennessy, J. & Janke, J. 2019. giraffe intofourspecies. EcologyandEvolution: 8(20):1-10. Winter, S., Fennessy, J. & Janke, A. 2018. Limitedintrogression supportsdivisionof The IUCN Red List of The IUCNRed Listof Threatened Species2018:e.T174469A51140829. Fennessy, S., Fennessy, J., Muller, Z., Brown, M. &Marais, A. 2018. Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. reticulata. The IUCNRed Listof Threatened Species2018:e.T88420726A88420729. The IUCN Red List of The IUCNRed Listof Threatened Species2019:e.T88421036A88421121. The IUCNRed Listof Threatened Species2018: Journal of Wildlife Disease Journal of Swara

, March 2018, 60–63.

camelopardalis ssp. antiquorum

The IUCN Red List of The IUCNRed Listof Threatened Species , 55(4).

camelopardalis camelopardalis Giraffa camelopardalis ssp.

camelopardalis ssp Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. rothschildi. . The IUCNRed Listof Threatened

.

Giraffa camelopardalis . thornicrofti.

The IUCN The IUCN giraffe with a newandknowledge-absorbing people. and anamazing opportunitytoshare allthings All inall,this tripwasaneye-opening experience Kong. different citiesthroughoutChina,including Hong A hostofadditional presentationsweregivenin share experienceandknowledgewasunique. Association andlocaluniversities. The opportunity to country, which wassupportedbytheChineseZoo the first-everdedicatedworkshopongiraffe inthe staff membersfromalloverthecountry. This was and knowledgetomorethan100Chinesezoo conservation, managementandcaptiveexperience key EAZA veterinariantoprovideaweek ofgiraffe Julian Fennessyworkedwith Animals Asia anda During GCF’s firstforayintomainland Asia,Dr GCF in Biology InstituteandSanDiegoZooGlobal. colleagues fromtheSmithsonianConservation of akeyaddressattheNationalZooalongside in aconservationpanelandthepresentation Another highlightoftheyearwasourparticipation carers isaparticulartreat. and presentingtosuchadedicatedgroupofgiraffe Africa toawideraudienceisalwayspleasure, and ourgiraffe conservationefforts throughout Workshop. The opportunitytopresentourwork the annualCheyenneMountainZooGiraffe Care Most notably, GCFcontinuestobeakeypartnerin and othereventsintheUSA. had theopportunitytogiveseveraltalksatzoos management inthewild.Duringyearourteam valuable resourcesforgiraffe conservationand to beraisedintheUSA.GCFiskeyraising The majorityofGCF’s financialsupportcontinues GCF inthe

Asia USA

GCF in partners. the ChesterZoo,oneofGCF’s keyconservation presentations tostaff membersandthepublicat used theopportunitytoalsogiveseveral While intheUK,DrJulianandStephFennessy English summer. – anexcitingandrandomoccurrenceinthe training wasundertakenwithsomeofthekeepers giraffe IDtrainingandimpromptupractice‘capture’ United Kingdom. Additionally, duringtheworkshop, than 100keepersandcuratorsfromalloverthe of itspartnersthroughoutthecontinenttomore Steph FennessypresentedGCF’s workandthose Chessington World of Adventures, DrJulianand Wild Animal Keepersgiraffe workshop,hostedat During theannual Association ofBritishandIrish Europe

32 GCF FINANCIAL SUMMARY Our team continues to work hard to secure a future for giraffe in the wild and to bring them Expenditure onto the international conservation agenda. Awareness for giraffe conservation is increasing, allowing us to maintain a steady funding stream for our important work throughout Africa. As we Programme & Grant Expenses slowly enhance our reach, we have grown our team to further our mission in Africa. Importantly, (conservation, education & awareness) TOTAL however, GCF remains a small and efficiently run organisation with minimal administrative $ 860, 348 $ 972,964 overheads. This means that we are still able to spend 88 cents of every dollar donated to GCF directly on giraffe conservation and management in Africa. Building new strategic partnerships Operational & Administrative Expenses and expanding our footprint throughout Africa continues to remain at the core of our $ 112,616 conservation model. Your continued support allows us to do this more efficiently.

Funds Received

Donations & Grants $ 1,523,142 TOTAL $ 1,586,127 Other Income $ 62,984 (merchandise sale, interest received and other) 12%

4%

All amounts are in USD. 33 34 Minot Zoo Joy Helbing Anne Morgan Till Hollmann Morgan Stanley Thomas Horton

DONORS The British Veterinary Linda & Bill Murray Idea Wild Nursing Association Maureen O’Donovan Louise Jakobsen Kevin Brown Orin & Vicky Oberlander Sara Jantz Harriet Butts Oklahoma City Zoo Mary Johnston Judith Caroselli Kathryn Ozimek Diane Kosec A testament to GCF’s success is the increasing number of donors. Again this year, Ari Castro-Gross PayPal Giving Fund Tushar Kulkarni The CCG Trust we received financial support from organisations and donors from over 40 countries. Peoria Zoo Klara Kurowski Without this support, we would not be able to do our work and save giraffe in Africa. Colleen Crowley Sandi Perlman Lee Richardson Zoo Manjul Dixit John & Nuri Pierce Donald Livingstone Dudley Zoological Gardens Pupkewitz Foundation As our donor list continues to get longer and longer, we have decided to only include Annette Manthey Erie Zoo Barbara Rosenblatt Patrice Marinelli those who donated US$500 and above in this report. However, this does not mean that Evansville Zoological Society Cheryl Rothman William McAreavy Freunde Hauptstadtzoos we do not appreciate all the other support we have received and continue to receive. Julie Rugg Bruce & Eleanor McLear Every donation helps! We could not do our important work without you – thank you! Berlin Sacramento Zoo Georgann Meadows Susan Fromkes Mary Sanford Hunt Katya Melluish

Cathryn Gabor/Africa 360 Tanganyika Wildlife Park Dinah Miller Travel $50,000 and above Los Angeles AAZK Chapter $2,500 – $4,999 Karen Tyner Miller Family Charitable Fund Sarah Giles (in memory) Wildlife Conservation Global Montgomery Zoo Cleveland Zoological Society Mike’s Hard Lemonade Bob Anderson Global Wildlife Foundation Woodland Park Zoological Nancy Mulholand DSC Foundation at Caribbean Antwerp Zoo Victoria Gordon Society Melaina Newcomer Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Gardens Blair Drummond Safari & Great Plains Zoo Zoo de la Boissière du Doré Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Adventure Park Alliance Natural Selection Safari Greater Cleveland AAZK Zoos South Australia Elizabeth O’Neill Markus Jebsen NedBank GoGreen Fund Brights Zoo Chapter Liza Carter Philip Perry Milton & Tamar Maltz Family The Safari Collection Gulf Breeze Zoo $500 - $999 Cascade Public Media Point Dediance AAZK Chapter Foundation The Tapeats Fund Barbara Gural Georgine Casella James Anderson Porta Romana Lars Markgren Utah’s Hogle Zoo Jeff Halter Columbus Zoo AAZK Syd Arkowitz David Posner Peggy & Lewis Metzger The Waterloo Foundation Chapter JoAnn & Michael Hamm Samira Askari Irene Preysman Murray Haseler San Diego Zoo Global GEF Small Grants Program Association of British and Ann Richardson The Woodtiger Fund $5,000 – $9,999 Vaughn Hasslein & Linda Gladys Porter Zoo Irish Wild Animal Keepers Ian CK Robertson Borders African Fund for Endangered La Passerelle Conservation Martin Baxter Rolling Hills Zoo Hochland 154 Round Table $25,000 – $49,999 Wildlife Rachel Bhattacharyya Brooke Rose Honolulu Zoological Society Born Free Foundation Charlotte & Joe Bailey Kim Miller David Binkley Sydney Rosen Ivory Ella Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Blank Park Zoo New Zoo Terry Bradshaw Carol Smith Jacksonville Zoo and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Chessington World of North Carolina Zoo Gary Brueggeman Spacebar Media Limited Gardens Janet Buell Rick Steinmaier Kathy & Tom Leiden Adventures Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Knuthenborg Safaripark & Aquarium Rachael Cairo John Sturtevant Mey Share Foundation Cranaleith Foundation Ann Marie Kohlligian Oregon Zoo Caldwell Zoo Duchess Swift Total Uganda Flaumenhaft Family Kolesky Philanthropic Fund Kit Tamkin Veronica Reyna Canadian Mattress Recycling Wildlife Conservation Network Sallyann Garner Jean Layton Seneca Park Zoo Society Irene Cermak Schimanetz Kristen Tauber Wendy & Hugh Kendrick Suavek Lehmann Shop for Giraffe Jennifer Chaikin Nicole Thomas $10,000 – $24,999 Lou & Bill Kilgore Lion Habitat Ranch Strada Education Network Christine Chulick Luke Thornburg Auckland Zoo Robert, Ely & Maya Klem The Living Desert Pamela Tate Dickerson Park Zoo Toronto Zoo AAZK Chapter Beauval Zoo Paul Alfred Luedin Barry Loncke & Lilly Spitz Ami Vitale Faruk Yalcin Zoo Myrna Torrie Chester Zoo Foundation Malibu Wine Safari Wags & Menace Tammy Flanders Hetrick Ashley Ullrich Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Linda McIngvale Cindy Malchoff Frank Buck Zoo Linda Vidosh Zempel Woburn Safari Park Detroit Zoo Out of Africa Wildlife Park Carl & Marilyn Malkmus Jonathan Franke Susan Wahlgren Foundation Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Punta Verde $1000 – $2,499 Colette Gandelot The Wilds Eric McCallum Galanthus Foundation Rufford Foundation Abilene Zoo Kimberly Good Wilhelma Stuttgart Niall McLaughlin Damon Ground Glenn/Lamb Charitable Fund Saint Louis Zoo Animals Asia Foundation Annual Report Design: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Dianne Hall Imgur Joan & Kent Sather John Basinger Garden Lee Hall KARMA Indianapolis Zoological Society Stichting Wildlife Birmingham Zoo Karmasloth.com design Heather Biszak Milwaukee County Zoo Jane Haworth 35 Gail Stockman 36 Peg & Robert Van Andel facebook.com/giraffeconservationfoundation CONTACT / SUPPORT Giraffe Conservation Foundation giraffe_conservation

Save_Giraffe Reporting Period: 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019 [email protected] giraffeconservation.org 38 37 Photo: John Perrett from Pixabay