
What does Okapi look like?
Also known as forest giraffe or
Half Zebra Half Giraffe:
Okapi Natural Habitat:
Okapi Behavior:
Okapi Reproduction:
The evolution of a female lasts for 16 months; it will give birth to a single calf. The newborn will able to stand within half an hour of the delivery, it will be protected for another two months by the mother okapi, which also helps them to stay away from hungry predators. The young will reach their full adult size when they are three years old. The calves will weigh about 35 pounds and will stand 2.6 feet tall. Okapis mate during the whole year, commonly in May and June and again in November and December.
Interesting Facts about Okapi:
- Okapi prefers to live in high altitudes between 500 and 1000 meters.
- The average lifespan of an okapi is between 20 to 30 years.
- The okapi has long and flexible ears, which can rotate independently so that they can listen to both front and behind sounds.
- The coat of okapi is chocolate to red-brown color, the face, throat, and chest have a grayish white color.
- The male okapis have short horns covered with hairs, which is less than 5.9 inches, whereas female okapi has bumps on their head.
- Okapis are herbivorous animals, which feed on leaves, grasses, fruits, and ferns.
- An okapi runs at a speed of 35 mph.
- Unlike giraffe, the okapi is a forerunner, which means they step together with the front and hind leg on the same side of the body instead of moving alternate legs.
The Population of Okapi:
The current population of okapis is estimated at 25,000 in the wild. The major threats to these species are loss of habitat, illegal hunting for their skin and meat. The red list of IUCN declared okapi as an endangered species.