The authorities at Garamba National Park, located in Haut-Uélé province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, announced on Sunday 21 June 2026 a remarkable increase in the population of Kordofan giraffes, one of Africa’s most endangered subspecies. The Kordofan giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) found in Garamba National Park are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

To mark World Giraffe Day, the park reported that numbers have risen from 22 individuals in 2012 to 105 in 2026. According to the park’s managers, this increase represents one of the most significant conservation successes recorded in Central Africa in recent years.

According to park officials, this recovery is the result of a combined effort involving eco-ranges, researchers, local communities, technical and financial partners, and the authorities responsible for managing this protected area.

“A story of hope for the giraffes of Kordofan. From 22 giraffes in 2012, the population now stands at 105 individuals. This recovery has been made possible thanks to the security situation in Garamba, the eco-ranges, researchers, local communities, partners and donors,” states the press release from Garamba National Park.

The report on the site’s conservation status also reveals that no cases of giraffe poaching have been documented in the park since 2017. This is attributed to strengthened surveillance measures, an improved security situation and conservation efforts carried out in collaboration with local communities.

Park managers also emphasize that protecting biodiversity involves improving the living conditions of communities living around the protected area. According to a recent report by African Parks, thousands of households are benefiting from support programs in the areas of education, health and economic activities, thereby helping to reduce pressure on the park’s natural resources.

This approach is supported by a study published in 2025 on the Garamba landscape, which concludes that improving the livelihoods of local communities is essential for strengthening community-led conservation and reducing pressure on ecosystems.

Long threatened by poaching and security instability, the Garamba Kordofan giraffes now represent a symbol of hope for wildlife conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Environmental campaigners and scientists believe that involving local communities in management is one of the best solutions for the restoration and protection of these endemic species.

Written by Victoire Katembo Mbuto