Okapia johnstoni

(Sclater, 1901)

Vernacular names
English : Okapi
French : Okapi

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Giraffidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known. Giraffe taxonomy is constantly being revised and subspecies numbers, validity and splitting may change.

Identification
Body length of 210 cm, shoulder height of 170 cm and weight up to 320 kg. Unmistakable. Brown coloration with white stripes on legs and rump.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to the north and north-eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It lives in primary and closed rainforests, swamp forests and woodlands up to 1500m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is known from some protected areas but extensive deforestation coupled with increase of human population have caused important declines in several populations.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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