There are six recognized populations of Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) protected in Uganda and Kenya. Four populations in Kenya are at Lake Nakuru National Park, Ruma National Park, Giraffe Manor, and Yoder Flower Farm. Two populations in Uganda are at Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. Both the Ruma National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park herd appears to be in good genetic health with respect to the likelihood of inbreeding or inbreeding depression. A question posed by the Kenya Wildlife Service centered on the Lake Nakuru National Park population in the Rift Valley that has experienced a rapid decline in numbers over the past 9 years falling from 153 to 62 individuals. Dietary issues caused by a high tannin concentrated diet resulting from over consumption of the park’s Acacia trees (Acacia xanthophloea) may be compromising the overall health and thriftiness of the young giraffe making them easy and opportunistic prey for the park’s lion population.
