Although thousands of giraffes once populated West Africa, only one herd remains today.  These giraffes in southern Niger are the last survivors of the “peralta” subspecies.

I finally had the opportunity to visit these amazing creatures a few weeks ago:

Rain clouds approached as we ventured across the scrubby savanna.  With soft light and dramatic skies, the day presented an awesome opportunity for photos.

The giraffes were incredibly calm and approachable. They almost seemed like fashion models posing for the camera.  Perhaps they realize tourism offers their best hope for a brighter future.

Unlike their cousins in East Africa, the peralta giraffes have not done well in reintroduction programs.  Nearby conservation parks have tried introducing them, but the giraffes refuse to eat in their new neighborhood and quickly perish.  They love their current home.

With their numbers dwindling perilously, these giraffes present a strong case for land conservation and better resource management.  Unfortunately the giraffes compete for land with local farmers and cattle herders, and Niger’s tumultuous government doesn’t seem to make wildlife a priority.  If it weren’t for tourist dollars, these giraffes would probably have already disappeared.

This issue shines an interesting light on my work with the Fulani, as the nomadic Fulani depend on land like this for their herding livelihood.  Recently, the wildlife guides have succeeded in paying the local Fulani to keep off this land so the giraffes can roam undisturbed.  As long as the tourists keep coming, this delicate balance may last.