There are considered to be two main reasons for the current giraffe population decline, which are poaching and habitat destruction. Although the giraffe is a protected species in most of its range and unauthorized killing can result in imprisonment, there is negligible recognized international trade in giraffes. Noticeable giraffes are an easy kill with firearms and automatic weapons and in the 19th century they were hunted for sport. Currently they are poached for their meat and bone marrow, which is believed by locals to cure Aids, and their bones and heads can be sold for a high price in Tanzania.
Habitat destruction brings no less damage to the population. With expanding human population and increased need for firewood, grazing room for livestock has led to deforestation, especially in West African populations. As a result, subpopulations of giraffes are becoming increasingly fragmented.
Giraffe were historically free-ranging across most of sub-Saharan Africa but are now most often confined to national parks, conservation areas, or private ranches.