Although not endangered, populations have been declining over the years, resulting in a vulnerable  status from the IUCN. (“Vulnerable under criterion A2 due to observed, past (and ongoing), data with a population decline of 36-40% over three generations (30 years, 1985-2015)”) (IUCN 2010). A large contributor to these declines is a result of habitat loss, human expansion of forest into farmland or logging sites, and war in some parts of Africa driving giraffes out of their natural habitats (Lowe, 2015). As a result, many struggle to find water and foliage necessary for their food.

An increasingly popular form of management to relocate these individuals in need is through transportation. Transportation involving land, sea, and air have all been used, but with the unique physiological and biological features of these gentle giants, transportation is no easy task.

Thus, the management of megafuana transportation, specifically with regards to giraffes (Griaffa) shows unique physiological and biological complications, various transportation containers and regulations specific to each mode of transport, the cost of varying distances, and the values behind the people whom this transportation would directly and indirectly affect.

This website has been created for the purposes of UBC’s APBI 315 class. All content is for educational purposes only.