The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is the closest relative of the giraffe. It has a similar body shape but a much shorter neck. Okapis share other distinctive features with giraffe, such as unusual fur-covered ossicones (horn-like structures), specialized teeth and tongue, and a ruminating four-chambered stomach. Notably, only male okapis have ossicones.
The IUCN Red List classifies the rare okapi as Endangered. It is endemic to the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and may have historically inhabited neighboring Uganda. The primary strongholds of the okapi include the Ituri/Aruwimi and Nepoko basin forests, the upper Lindi, Maiko, and Tshobo Basin forests, and the Rubi-Tele region.
Living in these dense tropical forests, the okapi has relatively poor vision but sharp hearing and a good sense of smell. It is very wary and will retreat into thick cover at the slightest sign of danger. This may be why it was only discovered in 1901.
While there is no exact estimate of the current population size, it is estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals. The population is believed to be declining due to increased logging, mining, and human settlements.
The okapi is also known as the “rainforest zebra” or “forest giraffe” due to the black and white stripes on its buttocks and upper legs. These stripes likely serve as a “follow me” signal, allowing young okapis to keep track of their mothers.
