Characteristics of the Okapi – An Endangered Animal

Do you know which living species is the closest relative of the giraffe? The answer is the okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Although it is not as tall as a giraffe and has distinctive coat markings, it shares many traits with its long-necked cousin. The okapi lives in the dense rainforests of Central Africa and can also be seen in some zoos. Unfortunately, this unique species is now highly threatened and is heading toward extinction.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the okapi has been classified as endangered since 2013. Current estimates suggest there are only 10,000 to 20,000 individuals left in the wild. In ancient times, the okapi was even referred to as the “African unicorn.”

This article explains the main characteristics of the okapi, its natural habitat and diet, the causes of its decline, and possible conservation measures to protect it.

Quick Facts About the Okapi

• Common name: Okapi

• Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Artiodactyla

• Family: Giraffidae

• Habitat: Dense tropical forests of Central Africa

• Physical traits: Smaller than giraffes; reddish-brown body; legs with striking white-and-black stripes; two short skin-covered horns on the head. Its appearance resembles a mix of horse, zebra, and giraffe.

• Diet: Herbivore – feeds mainly on leaves, buds, and understory plants.

Physical and Behavioral Characteristics

• Size and weight: Stands about 2.1 meters tall including head and neck, with a shoulder height of just over 1 meter. Adults weigh around 250 kilograms, much lighter than giraffes.

• Horns and ears: Males have two short, fur-covered horns. Ears are large and highly sensitive, aiding in detecting predators.

• Coat: Reddish-brown body, whitish face, and zebra-like stripes on the legs for camouflage in the forest understory.

• Tongue: Long, dark, and bluish – so flexible that it can reach its own ears. Like giraffes, this tongue helps strip leaves from branches.

• Senses: Excellent hearing and smell, essential for survival in dense forests.

• Reproduction: Females give birth to a single calf after a 15-month gestation.

Behavior

• Generally solitary and nocturnal, though small groups may occasionally form.

• Main predators in the wild are leopards and humans.

• Very quiet animals; they rarely vocalize except during mating season or when calves call for their mothers.

Habitat and Distribution

• Wild habitat: Restricted to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they inhabit dense tropical rainforests.

• Former range: Once found in Uganda, but now extinct there.

• Captivity: Today, many zoos around the world keep okapis for education and conservation breeding programs.

• Habitat size: Wild populations cover an estimated 244,000 km² in northern Congo. Unlike giraffes, okapis do not need tall bodies, since they live under the canopy of dense forests instead of open savannas.

Diet

The okapi is strictly herbivorous and has a varied diet:

• Mainly leaves, shoots, and stems of forest shrubs and trees.

• Can pull down branches to access fresh, tender foliage.

• Eats over 100 plant species, including understory herbs, fruits, and even fungi.

Why the Okapi is Endangered

The population of okapis is steadily declining due to several human-driven threats:

1. Deforestation

• Rainforests are being cleared for agriculture, logging, and human settlements, destroying critical okapi habitat.

2. Illegal mining

• Mining, especially unregulated operations, degrades the land and pollutes the ecosystem.

3. Poaching

• Okapi skin and meat are highly valued in the black market, making them targets for hunters.

4. Armed conflict

• Ongoing wars and instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo disrupt conservation efforts and endanger both people and wildlife.

Conservation Solutions

To save the okapi from extinction, multiple strategies are needed:

• Strengthen protection: Increase patrols in nature reserves and impose harsher penalties on poachers.

• Improve local livelihoods: Provide alternative jobs to reduce reliance on poaching and illegal mining.

• Control mining activities: Tackle illegal operations and support sustainable practices.

• Reduce deforestation: Promote ecological forestry and sustainable land use.

Final Thoughts

The okapi, once called the “African unicorn”, is one of the most fascinating mammals on Earth. As the giraffe’s closest living relative, it embodies both mystery and beauty. Sadly, its survival is under severe threat due to habitat destruction, poaching, and human conflict.

Protecting the okapi is not just about saving one species—it is about preserving the balance of Africa’s tropical forests and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

animal tags： okapi