U.S. Proposes Listing Giraffes Under the Endangered Species Act for the First Time [Video]

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed that giraffes be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time.

The agency hopes listing the iconic tallest mammal on Earth will crack down on poaching, as the U.S. is one of the largest destinations of items such as rugs, boots and furniture made from giraffe parts, reported The Guardian.

“Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster biodiversity, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking and promote sustainable economic practices,” said FWS Director Martha Williams in a press release from FWS. “This action supports giraffe conservation while ensuring the United States does not contribute further to their decline.”

Giraffe populations have been decreasing due to habitat loss, poaching and climate change. In response, FWS has proposed listing as endangered all three northern giraffe subspecies from east, west and central Africa. The service has also proposed listing two east …