Historically, giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis Linnaeus 1758) were widely distributed throughout Mrica, from the northern to the southern savannah regions (Skinner & Smithers 1990;East 1998). ,Today their distribution is both patchy and discontinuous, from west Mrica to south Africa. Similar to other megafauna throughout Mrica (e.g. elephant (Loxodonta africana), rhino (Diceros bicornis) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer), reduction of available range has reduced giraffe distribution markedly. This reduction has been predominantly associated with human development, although illegal hunting and disease have also played their role (Skinner & Smithers 1990). The estimated giraffe populations for the region are increasing, a better understanding of their seasonal movement is required. With increasing giraffe numbers, competition and vailability of resources will also increase. With established and emerging conservancies playing a larger role in habitat and species conservation, appropriate Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) planning and monitoring will be essential in the long-term conservation and sustainability of giraffe and their habitat.
