The okapi is one of the world’s most striking and secretive mammals, often referred to as the “forest giraffe” due to its taxonomic link to its much taller cousin. This elusive creature, with its deep, velvety coat and unmistakable striped legs, remained unknown to Western science until the early 20th century, earning it the nickname “African unicorn.” Its existence is confined to a specific, dense region of Central Africa, making it a powerful symbol of the rich, yet fragile, biodiversity of the Congo Basin. The animal’s rarity and shy nature mean that confirming its presence and population size is a persistent challenge for conservationists operating in a difficult environment.
The Okapi’s Unique Identity
The okapi is instantly recognizable by its zebra-like horizontal stripes of black and white across its upper legs and hindquarters, which provide superb camouflage in the dappled sunlight of the rainforest floor. The rest of its coat is a rich, dark, reddish-brown, and its texture is notably soft. As the only living relative of the giraffe, the okapi shares similar bony, skin-covered horns, called ossicones, though only males possess them.
It uses its remarkably long, prehensile, blue-gray tongue to strip leaves from branches, a dexterity so refined that the animal can even use it to clean its own eyelids and ears. The okapi is endemic exclusively to the dense tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), primarily within the Ituri Forest. This limited geographic range, which includes elevations between 450 and 1,500 meters above sea level, makes its population highly vulnerable to localized threats.
Current Population Estimates and Conservation Status
Determining the precise number of okapi remaining in the wild is extremely difficult due to the animal’s solitary habits and the political instability of its habitat. Scientists rely on indirect evidence, such as dung counts and camera trap data, which lead to a significant range of estimates. While older figures suggested a population as high as 35,000 individuals, current expert assessments indicate the total number in the wild is likely less than 10,000.
Conservation groups estimate the wild population may number fewer than 4,500 individuals. The Okapi Conservation Project focuses its efforts around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, where the population is estimated at approximately 3,000 animals. Reflecting this steep decline, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially classifies the okapi as an Endangered species. Outside of the wild, a small, managed assurance population of nearly 200 okapi exists in human care globally.
Primary Causes of Population Decline
The okapi population is declining primarily due to a combination of habitat destruction and escalating illegal human activities within its remote forest range. Illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and an increase in human settlements are causing rapid deforestation, fragmenting the dense forest habitat the okapi requires to survive. Satellite data reveals significant forest loss in the region.
Illegal resource extraction is a major driver of this destruction, particularly the proliferation of artisanal and industrial mining operations for minerals like gold and coltan. These mines not only destroy habitat but also draw large numbers of people into the forest, increasing the demand for bushmeat and skins. Okapi are frequently targeted by poachers, often using cable snares, for both their meat and their valuable hides. The widespread political instability and the presence of armed militia groups in the eastern DRC further compound these problems, preventing conservation authorities from accessing or patrolling protected areas.
Focused Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts are concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, working to protect the okapi’s remaining habitat and mitigate the impact of human conflict. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR), a UNESCO World Heritage site covering nearly 14,000 square kilometers of the Ituri Forest, is a focal point for protection. The Okapi Conservation Project (OCP) partners with the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) to manage and protect the OWR.
These efforts include deploying and training ICCN rangers to conduct anti-poaching patrols and dismantle snares and illegal mining camps. The OCP also focuses heavily on community engagement, working with local populations to develop sustainable livelihood programs that reduce their reliance on destructive practices like illegal logging and poaching.