World Okapi Day and History | Characteristics of Okapi and Okapi Conservation Status 

World Okapi Day is celebrated on October 18. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about Okapis and Okapi Conservation Status. It also highlights the importance of protecting this animal and its rainforest Okapi habitat. They are facing many threats such as deforestation, poaching, illegal gold mining, and political instability in the region. Due to the characteristics of Okapi, it resembles giraffe and zebra. Due to this reason, this animal is also known as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, and zebra giraffe.

It is nearly impossible to find this animal in the wild. It is a national and cultural symbol of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For centuries, this animal remained unknown to Western science, as it lives in dense rainforests and is naturally shy and elusive. However, explorers traveling through the Congo Basin in the late 19th century began hearing local stories of an animal resembling a “horse-like zebra.” This animal was officially discovered by British explorer Sir Harry Johnston in 1901.

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Resemblance with Giraffe and Zebra

This is an endangered species native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This Forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe has a distinct look with a blend of features resembling both giraffes and zebras. Its legs have zebra-like stripes, while its body structure is closer to that of a giraffe. Due to these characteristics of Okapi, it is called the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, and zebra giraffe.

History of World Okapi Day

The Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission recognizes World Okapi Day. World Okapi Day was launched in 2016 by the Okapi Conservation Project (OCP). This day was created to raise global awareness about the endangered okapi, its conservation, and the protection of the Okapi Habitat.

Many organizations are working on Okapi Conservation Status. These organizations include the Okapi Conservation Project (OCP), the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). The OCP, along with partners like the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and various zoos, is organizing events on this day to educate the public about okapis.

World Giraffe Day – Giraffe Characteristics and Species 

Characteristics of Okapi

This is an artiodactyl mammal and belongs to the Genus Okapia. It is native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Central Africa. Although, it looks like a cross between a deer and a zebra, but more closely related to the giraffe. However, its names Forest Giraffe, Congolese Giraffe, and Zebra Giraffe are due to this resemblance.

The Okapi and the Giraffe are the only members that belong to the family Giraffidae. The okapi stands about 1.5 to 2 meters tall at the shoulder and measures around 2.5 meters in length. Adult females are slightly taller than adult males. Moreover, its weight ranges from 200 to 350 kg. It has a sleek and deep brown coat with thick, oily fur to stay dry in the rain. Its oily and velvety fur has the ability to repel water.

More Characteristics of Okapi

This Forest Giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe has distinctive white-and-black horizontal stripes on its legs and buttocks, similar to a zebra. These stripes help with camouflage in the dappled light of the rainforest.

This animal has large, sensitive ears that help detect sounds in the dense forest. Although this animal is closely related to the giraffe, it has a shorter neck and shorter legs. Furthermore, Male okapis have short, hair-covered horn-like structures called ossicones while females do not.

Birth of Southern Giraffe in Pakitan Zoo 

One of the remarkable characteristics of Okapi is its long, prehensile tongue (up to 18 inches or 45 cm). It uses its tongue to strip leaves from trees and even clean its eyes and ears. Okapis are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, buds, grasses, fruits, and fungi. They use their long tongue to grasp foliage from trees and vines.

Distribution and Okapi Habitat

This animal is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. More specifically, it inhabits the dense, tropical rainforests of the Ituri Forest and surrounding regions. The Ituri Forest provides the dense cover and rich vegetation that okapis rely on for food and protection. Conservation areas like the Okapi Wildlife Reserve are crucial for its survival.

Okapi Conservation Status and World Okapi Day

On the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Okapi is classified as an Endangered species. According to Okapi Conservation Status, its population has been in steady decline due to several threats that affect the natural Okapi habitat and survival. In the later half of the 20th century, increasing awareness of the threats to the okapi habitat, including deforestation and poaching, led to greater efforts to protect the species.

IUCN Red List and Endangered Species 

The okapi’s primary habitat, the Ituri Rainforest, was threatened by logging, mining, and human encroachment. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a project to protect this animal. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Ituri Forest. Moreover, it plays a vital role in the protection of the remaining population of this animal. It was established in 1992. However, it has an important role in Okapi Conservation Status.

This reserve, covering over 13,700 square kilometers, provides vital protection for the species, although it faces constant pressure from illegal activities like poaching and mining. This Reserve is home to a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic to the Congo Basin rainforests.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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