Okapi
http://artsofthelife.blogspot.com/2013/09/okapi.html
Okapi
 |
| Okapi |
Okapia found in Ituri Rainforest, located in Congo, in Central Africa. Although the okapi bear striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe.
The animal was brought to prominent European Interest by speculation on its existence.
The animal was brought to prominent European Interest by speculation on its existence.
 |
| Okapi |
Today, about 10,000–20,000 remain in the wild.
the explorer Harry Johnston organized the expedition that first acquired an okapi specimen for science from the Ituri Forest in Congo.
Okapis have reddish dark backs, with horizontal white stripes on the front and back legs, making them resemble zebras from a distance,These markings may also serve as camouflage.
the explorer Harry Johnston organized the expedition that first acquired an okapi specimen for science from the Ituri Forest in Congo.
Okapis have reddish dark backs, with horizontal white stripes on the front and back legs, making them resemble zebras from a distance,These markings may also serve as camouflage.
 |
| Okapi |
The body shape is similar to that of the giraffe, except okapis have much shorter necks. Like the giraffe, the okapi has long legs and a robust body.Both species have very long flexible tongues used to strip leaves and buds from trees.
Their large ears help them detect their predator.
Their large ears help them detect their predator.
 |
| Okapi |
They are not social animals, and prefer to live in large, secluded areas. This has led to problems with the okapi population due to the shrinking size of their habitats.
Okapis prefer altitudes of 500 to 1,000 m, but may venture above 1,000 m in the eastern montane rainforests. Because of a considerable amount of rain in these forests.
Okapis are herbivores, feeding on tree leaves and buds, grasses, ferns, fruits and fungi. Many of the plant species okapis feed on are poisonous to humans.
The okapi was known to the ancient Egyptians; an ancient carved image of the animal was discovered in Egypt. Although the okapi was unknown to the Western world until the 20th century.
As of 2011, 155 okapi specimens are in zoos on four continents, with the majority of them in North American zoos.
Although okapis are not classified as endangered, they are threatened by habitat destruction and poaching. The world population is estimated at 10,000–35,000. Conservation work in Congo by the Okapi Conservation Project includes the continuing study of okapi behaviour and lifestyle, which led to the creation in 1992 of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Okapis prefer altitudes of 500 to 1,000 m, but may venture above 1,000 m in the eastern montane rainforests. Because of a considerable amount of rain in these forests.
 |
| Okapi |
Okapis are herbivores, feeding on tree leaves and buds, grasses, ferns, fruits and fungi. Many of the plant species okapis feed on are poisonous to humans.
The okapi was known to the ancient Egyptians; an ancient carved image of the animal was discovered in Egypt. Although the okapi was unknown to the Western world until the 20th century.
 |
| Okapi |
As of 2011, 155 okapi specimens are in zoos on four continents, with the majority of them in North American zoos.
Although okapis are not classified as endangered, they are threatened by habitat destruction and poaching. The world population is estimated at 10,000–35,000. Conservation work in Congo by the Okapi Conservation Project includes the continuing study of okapi behaviour and lifestyle, which led to the creation in 1992 of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
 |
| Okapi |
