Quck answer
The okapi is a unique animal that resembles both a zebra and a giraffe. It is found only in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its striped legs and long neck, it has been referred to as a “forest giraffe.” Its closest living relative is the giraffe, but it also shares characteristics with the deer and antelope. The okapi is threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and is listed as endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this elusive and fascinating animal.
Wild Animals
The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) may have a striped hindquarters like a zebra, but it is actually a close relative of the giraffe.
Despite its horse-like body and striped hindquarters, the okapi is not related to zebras. Instead, this unique animal is the only living relative of the giraffe, and the two species share many similarities. Both animals have long necks, cloven hooves, and short, skin-covered horns. Their skulls are almost identical, and they both have a super-long, prehensile, flexible tongue that can reach leaves from tall trees. The okapi’s tongue is so long that it can even lick its own ears!
The okapi was not discovered by Western scientists until the early 1900s, although native populations in Central Africa had long known about this elusive creature. The common ancestor of the giraffe and okapi lived about 16 million years ago, and while the giraffe ancestors evolved elongated necks, the okapi’s ancestors developed shorter necks.
If you’re curious to learn more about this mysterious animal, here are nine interesting facts about the okapi:
1. The Okapi Was Once Believed to be a Mythical Creature
Westerners believed the okapi was a mythical beast, often referred to as an “African unicorn,” until it was discovered in the early 1900s.
2. The Okapi’s Nickname is the “Forest Giraffe”
The okapi is sometimes called the “forest giraffe” because it resides in the dense rainforest of Central Africa.
3. Scent Glands on Their Feet
According to Schwartz, the okapi has scent glands on each foot that leave behind a sticky, tar-like substance wherever they have walked. He adds that this substance has a unique scent for each individual, or a scent ‘signature.’ Okapis have a good sense of smell and can easily smell the scent ‘signature’ of the okapi that left the scent. They can probably differentiate between individuals.
4. Thick, Oily Fur
The okapi’s body is covered in dark reddish-brown fur that is thick and feels like velvet. The fur is also very oily, which causes water to slide right off and helps to keep the animal dry on rainy days.
5. Herbivores
The okapi is an herbivore, which means they eat only vegetation. According to Schwartz, they consume between 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms) of leaves, twigs, and fruits each day as they browse through the rainforest. Okapis use their long tongues to reach up into trees, pull down a branch, and rake off the leaves with their mouths. They also eat twigs, buds, fungi, fruits, and other vegetation found in the rainforest’s undergrowth. Clay from riverbeds is important to their diet because it provides them with minerals and salt that they may not get from vegetation. Okapis have to spread their long legs to get close enough to the ground to drink water, just like giraffes.
6. Typically Give Birth to One Baby
After a gestation period of 14 to 16 months, okapis give birth to one baby at a time in a nest on the ground. Calves are about 3 feet (80 centimeters) tall and weigh about 35 pounds (16 kilograms) when born. They triple in size by the time they are 2 months old. Although they can walk 30 minutes after being born, they don’t defecate until they are between 4 and 8 weeks old. This is a defensive maneuver because without the smell of feces, it is harder for predators to track the vulnerable newborn. Okapis become mature at around 2 to 3 years old and live for 20 to 30 years.
7. Can Be Dangerous
According to Schwartz, like any wild animal, the okapi will defend themselves if they feel threatened. They can deliver a kick as strong as a horse’s kick in any direction with accuracy. However, they tend to keep to themselves and do not seek out confrontations.
8. Elusive in the Wild
Due to their very elusive nature and declining population, encountering an okapi in the wild is unlikely, says Schwartz. If you do happen to come across one, it is best to slowly back up and give them their space.
9. Endangered Species
The okapi is an endangered species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because the rate of population decline is estimated to have exceeded 50 percent during the past 24 years. The population is continuing to decrease, with only 25,000 believed to be alive in the wild today. According to Schwartz, mining, oil and gas drilling, residential and commercial development, expanding agriculture, and logging are their biggest threats. Regional governments have enacted laws to protect the habitat and increase monitoring of the areas where okapis inhabit.
The Okapi Conservation Project is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo and focuses on preserving the natural habitat of the endangered okapi and the indigenous Mbuti pygmies who reside within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. This reserve is a World Heritage Site and boasts a high level of biodiversity, making it a suitable location for the implementation of sustainable programs that promote the survival of local species such as the okapi. Interestingly, the okapi possesses the ability to rotate its ears independently, allowing it to hear sounds from both the front and back simultaneously.
FAQ
1. What is an okapi?
An okapi is a mammal that is native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is closely related to giraffes and has a similar body structure, but it has a shorter neck and striped legs like a zebra.
2. How big do okapis get?
Okapis can grow to be about 5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 500 pounds.
3. What do okapis eat?
Okapis are herbivores and mainly feed on leaves, fruits, and other vegetation found in the rainforest.
4. What is the okapi’s habitat like?
Okapis live in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo where they can find plenty of food and water. They prefer to live in areas with thick vegetation and shade.
5. What is the okapi’s behavior like in the wild?
Okapis are solitary animals and prefer to spend most of their time alone. They are shy and elusive, making them difficult to spot in the wild. They are also primarily active during the day.
6. What is the conservation status of okapis?
Okapis are currently classified as endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. Their population has declined significantly over the past few decades, and conservation efforts are underway to protect them.
7. How long do okapis live?
Okapis have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years in the wild.
8. How do okapis communicate with one another?
Okapis communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, such as grunts, moans, and bleats. They also use scent markings to communicate their presence and territory.
9. Do okapis have any natural predators?
Okapis’ natural predators include leopards and humans, who hunt them for their meat and skin.
10. How are okapis different from giraffes?
Okapis are different from giraffes in several ways: they have shorter necks, smaller heads, and striped legs. Giraffes also have a different pattern of spots on their coat.
11. Can okapis be kept in zoos?
Yes, okapis can be kept in zoos and are popular attractions due to their unique appearance and elusive nature.
12. What is the best way to help protect okapis?
The best way to help protect okapis is to support conservation organizations that work to protect their habitat and prevent hunting. You can also raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species like the okapi.
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