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1_Scientific Name: Okapia johnstoni
2_Status: Near threatened
Scientific Classification:
1_Kingdom: Animalia
2_Phylum: Chordata
3_Class: Mammalia
4_Order: Artiodactyla
5_Family: Giraffidae
6_Genus: Okapia
7_Species: O. johnstoni
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General Information:
The okapi is an unique mammal of Africa, bearing the appearance of both a zebra and a giraffe. It had been known to the peoples of Africa since at least the Egyptian times, but was only brought to prominence in Western perception in the early 1900s. It is currently a "Near Threatened" species residing in stretches of rainforest in central Africa. Poaching and habitat destruction, coupled with continued military strife and social unrest, may put the future of this species at risk.
Physical Description:
The okapi is generally 6 - 8 ft long and stands close to 5 - 6.5 ft in height. Its tail is about 12 - 17 in in length. Okapis usually weigh 465 - 550 lbs. In body structure, they are similar to giraffes, except with much shorter necks. Their coats are mostly reddish-brown/chestnut in color, with dark zebra-like stripes canvased against its white hind quarters and all four legs. Its face is also hued in white on the side, fading into the richer reddish-brown toward the neck and forehead and its black muzzle.
Diet:
Okapis feed on grass, fruit, fungi, and leaves. A number of the plants eaten by the okapi are known to be poisonous to humans.
Habitat:
The okapi currently inhabits the dense, moist rainforests of the Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Recently, scientists have uncovered evidence that okapis may also be surviving in the Congo's Virunga National Park. The last official sighting there dates to 1959, almost five decades ago.
Reproduction:
When okapis are pregnant, they retreat into dense forest to give birth. Gestation lasts about 14 - 15 months, after which time 1 young is born. Females reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age, and males a bit later.
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