Okapi

Okapi, or forest giraffe, a member of the giraffe family found in the inaccessible rain forests of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) and western Uganda. The okapi lives a secluded life and it was not discovered until 1900. It is considered rare, but too little information exists about the okapi to classify it as threatened or endangered.

The short, stout body of the okapi ranges from 150 to 170 cm (5 to 5.5 ft) high at the shoulders and 200 to 213 cm (6.5 to 7 ft) in length, with a tail 30 to 42 cm (12 to 17 in) long that ends in a tuft. It weighs 210 to 250 kg (460 to 550 lb). The male has two small, skin-covered bony knobs on its forehead. The okapi has a long, flexible blue-black tongue that it uses to rip leaves from branches. It has large, dark eyes and large, wide ears. The short, soft hair is reddish brown to black with large, white stripes on the front legs and flanks.

Little is known about the okapi in the wild. The animal visually blends into its surroundings. It feeds during the day, as well as just before dawn and after sunset. Each male generally inhabits a territory of about 6 sq km (about 2.3 sq mi). Although the okapi may travel in small family groups, this reclusive animal usually lives alone, except when mating. After mating, the female lives in isolation until she gives birth to one calf 14 to 15 months later.

Scientific classification: The okapi belongs to the family Giraffidae. It is classified as Okapia johnstoni.