Editing Okapi (section)

{{Short description|Species of mammal}}
{{About|the animal}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Okapi
| image = Saint-Aignan (Loir-et-Cher). Okapi.jpg
| image_caption = Male okapi at [[ZooParc de Beauval|Beauval Zoo]]
| image2 = Okapia johnstoni 17zz.jpg
| image2_caption = Female okapi at [[Zoo Miami]]
| status = EN
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Mallon, D. |author2=Kümpel, N. |author3=Quinn, A. |author4=Shurter, S. |author5=Lukas, J. |author6=Hart, J.A. |author7=Mapilanga, J. |author8=Beyers, R. |author9=Maisels, F. |date=2015 |title=''Okapia johnstoni'' |volume=2015 |page=e.T15188A51140517 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T15188A51140517.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| parent_authority = [[Ray Lankester|Lankester]], 1901
| taxon = Okapia johnstoni
| authority = ([[P.L. Sclater]], 1901)
| display_parents = 2
| range_map = Okapia johnstoni range map.png
| range_map_caption = Range of the okapi
}}

The '''okapi''' ({{IPAc-en|oʊ|ˈ|k|ɑː|p|iː}}; '''''Okapia johnstoni'''''), also known as the '''forest giraffe''', '''Congolese giraffe''' and '''zebra 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.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Stanton |first1=D. |last2=Hart |first2=J. |last3=Vosper |first3=A. |last4=Kümpel |first4=N. |last5=Wang |first5=J. |last6=Ewen |first6=J. |last7=Bruford |first7=M. |year=2016 |title=Non-invasive genetic identification confirms the presence of the Endangered okapi Okapia johnstoni south-west of the Congo River |journal=Oryx |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=134–137 |doi=10.1017/S0030605314000593|doi-access=free }}</ref> It is the [[monotypic taxon|only species]] in the [[genus]] '''''Okapia'''''. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of [[zebra]]s, 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 {{cvt|1.5|m|}} tall at the shoulder and has a typical body length around {{cvt|2.5|m|}}. Its weight ranges from {{cvt|200|to|350|kg|}}. 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 [[ossicone]]s, less than {{convert|15|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length. Females possess [[hair whorl]]s, and ossicones are absent.

Okapis are primarily [[Diurnality|diurnal]], but may be active for a few hours in darkness. They are essentially solitary, coming together only to breed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Okapi |url=https://www.marylandzoo.org/animal/okapi/ |website=The Maryland Zoo |access-date=1 January 2025}}</ref> Okapis are [[herbivore]]s, feeding on tree leaves and buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and [[fungus|fungi]]. Rut in males and estrus in females does not depend on the season. In captivity, estrus cycles recur every 15 days. The [[gestational period]] is around 440 to 450 days long, following which usually a single calf is born. The juveniles are kept in hiding, and nursing takes place infrequently. Juveniles start taking solid food from three months, and weaning takes place at six months.

Okapis inhabit [[canopy (biology)|canopy]] forests at altitudes of {{cvt|500|-|1500|m|}}. The [[International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]] classifies the okapi as [[endangered]]. Major threats include habitat loss due to [[logging]] and human settlement. [[Illegal mining]] and extensive hunting for bushmeat and skin have also led to a decline in populations. The [[Okapi Conservation Project]] was established in 1987 to protect okapi populations.