Okapi

Overview

The okapi is a shy, elusive relative of the giraffe found only in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite its zebra-striped legs, it is not related to zebras at all -- the stripes are thought to help camouflage it in dappled forest light and help calves follow their mother through dense vegetation.

Appearance

It has a deep reddish-brown velvety coat, horizontal white and black stripes on its legs and rump reminiscent of a zebra, and a long neck and large ears like its closest relative, the giraffe. Males have short, skin-covered horns called ossicones, similar to a giraffe's but smaller.

Habitat & Distribution

The okapi is found in rainforest habitats.

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Herbivore — Plant-eating animals that graze or browse on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation, from tiny insects to giant elephants.

Okapis are solitary, elusive animals that spend most of their time alone in dense rainforest, using an extremely long, prehensile tongue -- long enough to clean their own ears -- to strip leaves and buds from surrounding vegetation. They mark territory with scent glands on their feet and communicate using infrasound calls too low for humans to hear, a trait shared with their giraffe relatives.

Interesting Facts

• 1

  The okapi's tongue is so long it can use it to clean its own eyes and ears.

• 2

  Despite its zebra-like striped legs, its closest living relative is the giraffe, not the zebra.

• 3

  It was unknown to Western science until the early 1900s, making it one of the last large mammals to be formally described.

• 4

  Okapis communicate using infrasound calls too low in frequency for humans to hear.

• 5

  Each okapi's stripe pattern is unique, similar to a human fingerprint.

Gallery

Okapi FAQs