Class
Mammals
Range
Okapis are found only in the tropical forests of northeastern Zaire, Africa.
Habitat
They live in dense rain forests along rivers and swamps.
Body Traits
Their body and long necks are brown, with whitish stripes across their legs and bottom. Their faces are grayish-tan. They are about 6-feet long and can weigh as much as 500 pounds.
Habits
They are active during the day (diurnal) but are very shy and well camouflaged, for they are rarely seen.
Diet
They eat grass, leaves, seeds, fruit, and ferns. They have long tongues like their closest relative the giraffe, which they use to hold branches so they can strip off the leaves and fruit.
Predators
Their main predator is leopard.
Reproduction
They live alone and only come together to mate. Females are pregnant for 12-14 months (gestation) having 1 young.
Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
Because they are so rarely seen, no one knows how long they live in the wild, but in captivity they can live up to 30 years. They are listed as Lower Risk - near threatened.
Full Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Giraffidae
Genus: Okapia
Species: Okapia johnstoni
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All text on Exploring Nature was written by author, Sheri Amsel
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Amsel, Sheri. “Mammalia.” Okapi. Exploring Nature Educational Resource. © 2005 - 2010. September 9, 2010. <http://exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=43&detID=980>
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