Chobe River
Botswana

IUCN: Listed on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as 'Vulnerable'.

Image Story:


This evening a small group of us abord a Pangolin Photo Safari launch are in for a treat. Danielle Carstens is our Pangolin Host and we are looking for backlit subjects in this perfect wildlife location.


With some knowledge of what to look out for and with some careful positioning with respect to subject and light, there are plenty of photo opportunities of backlit baboon and giraffe.


But further to the East, away from the setting sun, a scenario is taking shape briefly between 3 baboon and a giraffe.


I have been watching the movement of this male giraffe hoping he will move onto the crest of the high-ground. Meanwhile there are plenty of baboon in the area, reasonably at ease during this late evening.


Two of them are seated on the brow of the hill. As the giraffe approaches they become increasingly aware of him.


A third baboon appears over the brow of the hill and sits down with the others - they appear to be holding their position for the time being.


The giraffe approaches, pauses momentarily and lowers his head slightly, it seems to get a better look at these baboon. All 3 baboon are looking back up at it.


And this for me, is the photographic moment - only a few seconds.


The giraffe then carries on as the baboons get out of the way and saunter off.


Conservation:


The Giraffe Conservation Foundation focuses specifically on supporting the dwindling African giraffe population.


The GCF states that the African giraffe population was around 177,000 during the mid 1980's, where as in 2020, is was about 117,000.


The AWF estimates (2022) there are only 68,293 mature giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis) left and numbers are decreasing.


Challenges to the giraffe's survival are numerous. They include shrinking habitats from human encroachment and the growing of crops, as well as humans hunting them for their hides, their tails that are used for good-luck bracelets and fashionable fly whisks. They are also hunted for human consumption although this is a lesser factor (2022).