Common name: Okapis
Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni
IUCN Red list status: Endangered
The Okapi is commonly known as the forest giraffe, as it resembles a mix of a deer and a zebra. It is native to the Ituri Rainforest located in DRC. It lives among dense flora in the rainforest. Okapis are solitary in nature; however rely on the formation of small groups for leisure.
The numbers of okapis that remain in the wild are unknown, but scientists estimate that their population has been halved in the past 20 years. Human hunters post a great threat to its existence. One shocking incident was in 2012 when a military group killed 14 okapis at the headquarters of the Okapi Conservation project. Their meat and skin is sought after. Moreover, violence and unrest in DRC makes enforcement of protection laws difficult to exert and establish. Lastly, deforestation and road construction has reduced its habitat as well. One of the oldest projects to defend Okapis’ existence is the Okapi Conservation Project which was founded in 1987.
Write-up by Aanya Chowbey and Art by Medha Goyal
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