There are fewer than 117, 000 giraffes left in the wild.
Giraffes are among the most recognisable animals on Earth, yet their numbers are far lower than many people realise. In the 1980s, there were more than 150,000 giraffes in the wild. Today, fewer than 117,000 remain across Africa. That drop represents a loss of almost 40 per cent in just three decades.
This decline has been so gradual that it is often called a “silent extinction.” While giraffes are not yet gone, several species and subspecies are under serious threat. Save Giraffes Now is working across ten African countries to reverse this decline by rescuing giraffes in danger, reintroducing them into safe habitats, and partnering with communities to protect the land they share.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 117,000 giraffes remain in the wild as of 2025.
- Giraffe populations have fallen by nearly 40 percent in the past 30 years.
- Some species, including the Nubian and Kordofan giraffes, are Critically Endangered.
- Habitat loss, poaching, conflict, and climate change are the main drivers of decline.
- Save Giraffes Now is rescuing giraffes, reintroducing them to safe habitats, and supporting communities across Africa.
Global Giraffe Population in 2025
Current estimates put the global population at approximately 117,000 giraffes. To put this in perspective, that is fewer than the number of elephants in Africa today.
This figure marks a sharp drop from past decades. In the 1980s, giraffes numbered well over 150,000. Since then, their population has steadily declined as habitats have been cleared for farmland, poaching has taken its toll, and changing climates have reduced access to food and water.
The overall number does not tell the whole story either. While some species, such as the Southern giraffe, remain relatively stable, others are approaching the brink of extinction. The Kordofan and Nubian giraffes together now make up only a tiny fraction of the total count, and their survival depends on immediate conservation action.
Why Are Giraffe Numbers Falling?
The decline in giraffe populations is not the result of a single problem. Instead, it stems from several pressures that occur simultaneously:
Habitat Loss
Giraffes need large areas of savanna and woodland to roam and feed. As more land is cleared for farms, roads, and settlements, their space continues to shrink. Fragmented habitats also make it harder for giraffes to move between areas and find food, which weakens populations over time.
Poaching and Hunting
In many regions, giraffes are hunted for their meat, hides, and tails. Even with laws in place, poaching remains a major threat where enforcement is weak. In some countries, entire herds have been wiped out by illegal hunting.
Conflict and Human Pressure
In areas with armed conflict, giraffes often lose protection. Snares set for other animals catch giraffes, and people competing for resources push them into smaller and less secure spaces. Civil unrest leaves little support for conservation, putting giraffes at greater risk.
Climate Change
Longer droughts and shifting rainfall patterns reduce the plants that giraffes depend on. Scarcity of food and water brings giraffes into closer conflict with people and livestock. These changes add another layer of stress to already struggling populations.
How Many Giraffes Are in the World by Species
The total giraffe population is fewer than 117,000, but that number looks very different when broken down by species and subspecies. Some groups remain relatively stable, while others are on the verge of extinction.
- Northern giraffe: fewer than 6,000 remain. This species includes the Kordofan and Nubian giraffes, both listed as Critically Endangered.
- Masai giraffe: around 45,000 remain, but the population is falling. They are listed as Endangered.
- Reticulated giraffe: fewer than 16,000 remain, also listed as Endangered.
- Southern giraffe: about 50,000 remain, and this group is considered the most stable, though some local populations are declining.
These numbers highlight the uneven reality of giraffe survival. While Southern giraffes are still holding on, the Northern, Reticulated, and Masai giraffe populations are shrinking fast. Protecting them requires targeted conservation in the areas where they face the most risk.
Can Giraffe Numbers Recover?
Despite the steep decline in recent decades, there is real hope for giraffes. Conservation programs are already demonstrating that their numbers can grow when they receive the right protection.
In some parts of Africa, like Senegal and South Africa, giraffes have been successfully reintroduced into areas where they had disappeared. Translocation projects have helped small, isolated groups join larger herds, giving them a better chance to survive and thrive.
Help Us Protect Giraffes Before It’s Too Late
Giraffes are still here, but their future is far from secure. With fewer than 117,000 left in the wild, every passing year brings new challenges that threaten their survival. Habitat loss, poaching, and climate pressures continue to push some populations closer to extinction.
Save Giraffes Now is working every day to change this reality. Across Africa, our teams are rescuing giraffes caught in snares, reintroducing them to safe habitats, and providing water in regions where drought makes life difficult. We are also building partnerships with local communities to create solutions that protect both people and wildlife.
This work is making a difference, but it cannot continue without support. Donations keep rangers in the field, supply the resources needed for rescues, and fund projects that give giraffes a chance to recover. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us move closer to a future where giraffes are safe and thriving.
Donate now and join us in protecting giraffes before it’s too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many giraffes are left in 2025?
Fewer than 117,000 giraffes remain in the wild in 2025. This number represents a sharp decline of nearly 40 percent compared to the 1980s, when more than 150,000 giraffes roamed Africa.
Could giraffes become extinct?
Yes, some giraffe subspecies could face extinction without strong protection. The Nubian and Kordofan giraffes are Critically Endangered, meaning their populations are extremely small and at risk of extinction. While giraffes as a whole are not yet extinct, urgent conservation efforts are needed to prevent further losses.
How many giraffes were there in 1900?
Exact figures from the early 1900s are not available; however, scientists believe that giraffes were once far more widespread across Africa. Populations were likely several hundred thousand strong before habitat loss, hunting, and human expansion began reducing their numbers.