Why is the West African giraffe a rare sight?

            The West African giraffe, or Niger giraffe, is a subspecies of Northern giraffe found predominantly in the Sahel regions of West African.

            Like many species that are declining in population, the West African giraffe is also facing the threat of being endangered. Experts note that these herbivorous were a common sight across the Sahel and Savanna regions of West Africa until the First World War. But as the human population increased, farming and hunting became widespread and this in turn, affected the giraffes.

            However, the main reason attributed to the decline in the giraffe population is the cutting down of trees. This destroys their habitat, forcing them to move out, and sometimes, separates them.

            The giraffes are also hunted for their tails, pelt, and meat. Their tails are highly prized symbols of authority in African culture. Their thick skin has been used for making clothing, shoes, bags, belts, hats and cover for drums, and their hair, for making bracelets, necklaces and other jewellery items among African tribes.

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