Okapi
2
0The okapi (/oʊˈkɑːpi/; Okapia johnstoni), also known as the forest giraffe,[2] 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.[3] It is the only species in the genus Okapia. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, 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 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall at the shoulder and has a typical body length around 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in). Its weight ranges from 200 to 350 kg (440 to 770 lb). 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 ossicones, less than 15 cm (5.9 in) in length. Females possess hair whorls, and ossicones are absent.
Okapis are primarily diurnal, but may be active for a few hours in darkness. They are essentially solitary, coming together only to breed.[4] Okapis are herbivores, feeding on tree leaves and buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and fungi. Rut in males and estrus in females Infrasonic Calls: Very low rumbles and grunts used to communicate over long distances in the dense rainforest. This allows them to stay in touch without alerting predators like leopards.Chuffing: A short, breathy air expulsion (similar to a cough) often used to greet or signal other okapis.Bleats: High-pitched, softer calls generally emitted by younger calves when they are separated from their mothers.Whistles: Intermittent, higher-frequency sounds that calves will also use to get their mother's attention.Snort-Coughs: A louder, more forceful warning vocalization used when they are startled or on high alert.
Follow