The Niger giraffes, the last giraffes
iraffes in West Africa.
Project Management
Association to Save the Giraffes of Niger (ASGN)
Geographical location
In Niger, West Africa, some 100 kilometres to the east of Niamey,
Niamey in the region of
Koure and North Dallol Bosso.
Background and issues at stake
The population of Niger giraffes (Giraffa
Giraffa camelopardalis peralta)
peralta is unique and the last
such population in all of West Africa.. It lives in direct contact with the farmers, a link
that existed between man and animal wildlife in traditional Africa.
In 1996, the population of Niger giraffes reached the lowest level ever recorded with
only 49 individuals. Their habitat, the tiger bush
b
(an extremely rare and extremely
fragile form of vegetation) is subject to intense deforestation through supplying wood
to the city of Niamey.
Project description
•
To update ethological data and scientifically monitor giraffes, essential for the
proper management of the population and
•
To
o train two Nigerian forest workers and six Nigerian co-ordinators
co
in
environmental education.
•
To promote ecotourism by supporting the running of a refreshment stand and
setting up a “giraffe house” featuring educational information boards, activities and
local craftsmanship focused on giraffes.
•
To map occupation of the area and characterise resources with information on the
wood industry in the whole region and explore the possibility of restoring
resto
the tiger
bush.
•
To resume and implement local development programmes for the rural
communities in the giraffe region.
Partner Organisations
The Department for Fauna, Fish and Pisciculture (DFPP).
Girafes © ASGN
Biodiversity N° 121