Giraffes have been listed as 'critically endangered' for the first time.
Kordofan and Nubian giraffes are now just one stage away from extinction in the wild, with less than 4,650 of the animals left.
According to a International Union for Conservation of Nature report, habitat loss and poaching are pushing the world's tallest animal towards extinction.
Dr Julian Fennessy, director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, told the Irish Independent that giraffe numbers have been falling for years:
"Whilst giraffe are commonly seen on safari, in the media, and in zoos, people - including conservationists - are unaware these majestic animals are undergoing a silent extinction."
"While giraffe populations in southern Africa are doing just fine, the world's tallest animal is under severe pressure in some of its core ranges across east, central and west Africa."
