Okapia johnstoni
The okapi (; Okapia johnstoni), also known as the forest giraffe, zebra giraffe and Congolese giraffe, is an artiodactyl mammal that is endemic to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. However, non-invasive genetic identification has suggested that a population has occurred south-west of the Congo River as well. It is the only species in the genus Okapia. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. The okapi and the giraffe are the only living members of the family Giraffidae.
AI overview
The okapi is a striped mammal found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is actually the giraffe's closest living relative, despite looking more like a zebra. It's scientifically important because it and the giraffe are the only two surviving members of the Giraffidae family.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
14 sectionsContents
- Etymology and taxonomy
- Evolution
- Description
- Ecology and behaviour
- Diet
- Reproduction
- Distribution and habitat
- Status
- Threats and conservation
- Okapis in zoos
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
The okapi (; Okapia johnstoni), also known as the forest giraffe, zebra giraffe and Congolese giraffe, is an artiodactyl mammal that is endemic to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. However, non-invasive genetic identification has suggested that a population has occurred south-west of the Congo River as well. It is the only species in the genus Okapia. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. The okapi and the giraffe are the only living members of the family Giraffidae.
The okapi stands about tall at the shoulder and has a typical body length around . Its weight ranges from . It has a long neck, and large, flexible ears. Its coat is a chocolate to reddish brown, much in contrast with the white horizontal stripes and rings on the legs, and white ankles. Male okapis have short, distinct horn-like protuberances on their heads called ossicones, less than in length. Females possess hair whorls, and ossicones are absent.
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Categories
Endangered fauna of AfricaEndemic fauna of the Democratic Republic of the CongoFauna of Central AfricaGiraffidaeHerbivorous mammalsIUCN Red List endangered speciesMammals described in 1901Mammals of the Democratic Republic of the CongoNational symbols of the Democratic Republic of the CongoNortheastern Congolian lowland forestsSpecies that are or were threatened by habitat loss