A Risk Assessment for the Giraffe, Giraffe camelopardalis has been conducted by the Department.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “very low” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the Giraffe to be moderately dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk and with a moderate consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to the “moderate” threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department considers permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘moderate risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing the Giraffe include:
- Limiting importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure the holding facility meets the stringent keeping standards Tasmania applies to all institutions.
- Requiring any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Giraffe species management plan (including enclosure details) prior to import.
- Requiring the wildlife exhibition facility to have proficient keepers for that particular species.