By Abdullahi Lukman
A partnership between the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the government of Cameroon has led to a notable increase in the number of endangered Kordofan giraffes in Faro National Park, with 21 individuals identified in 2023 compared to only scattered sightings two years earlier.
The Kordofan giraffe, native to Central Africa, has seen its population decline by over 40% in the past three decades due to poaching and habitat loss.
The animals are often targeted for their skin, bones, and tail hairs used in traditional ceremonies and crafts.
The recovery in Faro is part of a broader conservation effort supported by the European Union and other donors, which combines scientific monitoring, habitat restoration, and local engagement. Enhanced patrols and the use of camera traps have played a key role in tracking the animals across a wider area of the park.
“This success shows that protection is possible when local communities are part of the solution,” said Anthony Agbor, AWF’s Faro Landscape Director.
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He stressed that wildlife management must consider the broader landscape and people who depend on it.
Despite the progress, challenges remain.
Seasonal cattle migration continues to push giraffes out of their habitat, and long-term success depends on sustained investment and coordinated policies across Africa’s giraffe range states.
Dr. Philip Muruthi, AWF’s Vice President of Species Conservation, said the plight of the Kordofan giraffe reflects broader ecosystem stress.
“We’re not just protecting a species—we’re managing ecosystems under pressure,” he said.
As part of its broader strategy, AWF is working to secure habitats for 82% of Africa’s remaining giraffes by 2030, focusing on anti-poaching, policy support, community engagement, and training local ecoguards.
Faro National Park is one of the last strongholds for this giraffe subspecies, which plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity by shaping vegetation and dispersing seeds.
