West African giraffe

West African giraffe in Niger

The West African Giraffe or Nigerien Giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis peralta ) is a subspecies of giraffe.

Dissemination

Once arrived, the West African giraffe before in many parts of West Africa. Originally, the giraffes the Sahel east of Lake Chad, as attributed to those in the Waza National Park this subspecies.

Genetic studies have shown that the giraffes are the Sahel, who live east of Lake Chad, but not to the West African subspecies G. c. peralta, but the Kordofan Giraffe (G. c. antiquorum ). In European zoos then also would have no West African giraffes, but at best Kordofan Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum ).

Endangering

Due to habitat destruction and poaching mid-1990s, lived less than 50 individuals of this subspecies in Niger. Meanwhile the population in the region of Niamey has increased to more than 220. This mainly came about through a ban on hunting giraffes and the financial support of the local population. The aim is to achieve an inventory of at least 400 animals, such that the survival of these subspecies is also secured permanently.

Entertainment in zoos

Because of the small wild stocks of West African giraffes are rarely kept in zoos.