2016 Was a Year Filled With Key Steps for Animal Conservation

The U.S. spends approximately $13.59 billion annually on veterinary care for animals. The nation clearly values its domestic animals, but 2016 revealed that it also cares deeply for animals around the world. The U.S. and the world took some key steps in 2016 in the name of animal conservation.

Countries around the world have each done their part in 2016 to implement new policies with the explicit purpose of saving those species that are at-risk. Some of these policies include an official U.S. ban on the ivory trade, an international treaty against illegal fishing practices being signed, and the pangolin receiving international protection from commercial trade.

Thanks to the efforts of animal conservation organizations, several species have recovered from their previously endangered status this year, including the giant panda and the West Indian manatee.

The giant panda is one of the most iconic animals associated with conservation efforts. But this year, the giant panda was moved to the vulnerable classification from the endangered species list.

Being placed in the vulnerable category means that while the giant panda is no longer in immediate danger without human intervention, its numbers will still be closely monitored and protected by animal conservation organizations.

This is a great step for the giant panda, but it’s certainly not the end of human intervention. The more we continue to help this species, the better off it will be in the future. Not all species are so lucky.

While the giant panda was slowly recovering from endangerment, the world’s tallest mammal is at risk of extinction. Giraffe populations have plummeted almost 40% in the last 30 years, according to the newest “red list” data.

Over the last three decades, giraffes have moved down two categories from “least concern” to “vulnerable,” where the giant panda now resides. Julian Fennessy, co-chair of the IUCN’s giraffe and okapi specialist group, explained that while giraffes are popular in the media, their numbers are being ignored by many people.

“It is timely that we stick our neck out for the giraffe before it is too late,” he said. And this doesn’t just apply to giraffes, either. 2016 was a year of big acts towards animal conservation, but 2017 will be an even more crucial year of conservation efforts.