The okapi, scientifically known as Okapia johnstoni, is a unique mammal native to the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. It is the only living relative of the giraffe and is sometimes called the 'forest giraffe'. This remarkable animal wasn't known to European science until 1901. One of its most distinctive features is the zebra-like striping pattern on its legs, which provides camouflage in the dappled light of its rainforest habitat.
The okapi has several distinctive physical characteristics that make it a fascinating animal. Standing about 1.5 to 1.7 meters at the shoulder and weighing between 200 and 350 kilograms, it has a velvety, chocolate to reddish-brown coat with white horizontal stripes on its legs that resemble those of a zebra. While related to giraffes, okapis have much shorter necks and lack the spotted pattern of their taller relatives. They have large, flexible ears that help them detect sounds in the dense forest. One of their most remarkable features is their long, dark, prehensile tongue that can extend up to 30 centimeters, which they use to grasp leaves and clean their eyes and ears.
The okapi is native to the dense, tropical rainforests of the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, typically at altitudes between 500 and 1,500 meters. They prefer canopy forests with little undergrowth, which allows them to move more easily through their environment. Okapis are primarily solitary animals, coming together only to breed. They are diurnal, meaning they're most active during daylight hours. Male okapis are territorial and mark their territory with urine and a sticky secretion from glands on their feet. Despite their large size, okapis are remarkably shy and elusive. They have excellent hearing and sense of smell, which helps them detect predators and avoid human contact. This elusive nature, combined with their remote habitat, made them one of the last large mammals to be discovered by Western science.
Okapis are herbivores with a specialized diet. They feed primarily on leaves, buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and fungi found in the rainforest. One of their most remarkable adaptations is their long, prehensile tongue, which can extend up to 30 centimeters. This tongue allows them to strip leaves from branches and reach food that other animals cannot. Interestingly, okapis also eat clay and charcoal from burnt trees to obtain minerals, and they regularly visit mineral licks to satisfy their need for salt. Regarding reproduction, okapis have one of the longest gestation periods among mammals, lasting 14 to 15 months. Females typically give birth to a single calf, which remains hidden in a secluded spot for the first one to two months of life. This hiding behavior helps protect the vulnerable calf from predators. Female okapis reach sexual maturity at around 1.5 to 2 years of age, while males mature later, at 5 to 6 years. In captivity, okapis can live 20 to 30 years.
The okapi is currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The total population is estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals, and unfortunately, this number is decreasing. Several major threats contribute to the okapi's endangered status. Habitat loss due to logging and agricultural expansion is perhaps the most significant threat, as it directly reduces the okapi's specialized forest habitat. Hunting for meat and skin also poses a serious threat, as does civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has disrupted conservation efforts. Mining operations in the region further destroy forest habitat, and the okapi's limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to these threats. Conservation efforts include the establishment of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This reserve protects about 20% of the okapi's habitat. Additionally, breeding programs in zoos worldwide help maintain genetic diversity, while organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project work with local communities to develop sustainable practices that protect both the okapi and the livelihoods of people living in and around its habitat.