Endangered
Description
Unknown to the western world until the 20th century, the okapi is the only living relative of the giraffe. It has a long neck and large, upright ears. Its coat is dark brown with distinctive stripes on the legs and hindquarters, reminiscent to a zebra. Only the males have horns. The reach 1.5m at the shoulder and weigh from 200 – 350kg
Lifespan
20 – 30 years
Population
Due to the secretive nature of okapis and the thick forest habitat they inhabit, it is difficult to reach an exact number of individuals. Currently there are estimated to be round 25,000 individuals in the wild.
Habitat and range
Okapi are endemic to the tropical forests of Democratic Republic of Congo. Distribution extends across parts of central, northern and eastern DRC. They are found in dense, high canopy forests between 450m and 1,500m above sea level.
Diet
They are herbivores, feeding on leaves and buds, grasses, ferns, fruits and fungi.
They have an exceptionally long tongue which they use to selectively browse for suitable plants.
Threats
The main threat is habitat loss due to logging and human settlement. Extensive hunting for bushmeat and skin has also led to decline. The presence of illegal armed groups in and around key protected areas is a current threat as they prevent conservation action and facilitate poaching, logging and illegal mining.
Conservation
The okapi is a protected species under Congolese law. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve and Maiko National Park support significant populations and strengthening the protection of these two protected areas is the most important means to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Tusk supports the Okapi Conservation Project which works to protect the natural habitat of the okapi and the remaining population living in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
