Okapi
Okapia johnstoni
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Artiodactyla · Giraffidae
About
The okapi, also known as the forest giraffe, zebra giraffe and Congolese giraffe, is an artiodactyl mammal that is endemic to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. However, non-invasive genetic identification has suggested that a population has occurred south-west of the Congo River as well. It is the only species in the genus Okapia. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. The okapi and the giraffe are the only living members of the family Giraffidae.
Fun Fact
Okapis were unknown to Western science until 1901 and were initially thought to be a forest-dwelling zebra — they are actually the giraffe's only living relative and have a 35-cm prehensile tongue used to strip leaves.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical rainforests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
20-30 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Wildfire
- Small Population Size
- Poaching