Details
Okapia johnstoni
The okapi is a solitary giraffid of African forest. Active by day, it walks quietly through dense woodland and browses leaves and shoots.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It lives mainly in dense tropical forest, using forest trails and vegetation near streams. It is suited to closed woodland rather than open grassland.
Body length is about 190-250 cm and weight about 200-350 kg. A dark brown body, striped legs, long tongue, and short ossicones are characteristic.
Diurnal and usually solitary, it keeps distance in thick forest. Scent marking and low sounds help individuals communicate without close contact.
It is herbivorous, eating leaves, shoots, vines, and fruit. The long tongue strips foliage from branches.
Calves are born in secluded forest sites and remain hidden for a period. The mother returns to nurse while keeping the calf concealed.
Its status is listed as Endangered. Forest degradation and human disturbance make quiet connected forest essential.
