Okapis In The Tropical Rainforest: The Democratic Republic Of Congo

Okapis are only found in the tropical forests of northern Zaire, also known as the Democratic Republic of congo. They live in the clearings and forest areas. In thick trees and underbrush, okapis rely on their hearing to keep from danger. The frequent river banks and stream bed. Occur in the dense rainforests at elevations with their range. ‘The okapi is a herbivorous animal meaning that it survives on a diet that is only comprised of plant matter’(A-Z Animals). They eat tree leaves, buds, grass, fruit and fungi. Its Diet with clay, burned wood and bat guano. They feed primarily on shoots of more than 100 different species. Some of these pants are poisonous to humans.
After a gestation period that can last up to 16 months one litter is born. The average litter size is one. That baby is then called a calf. Young Okapi are not fully grown till they are at least 3 years old. There is an important captive breeding center in Epulu at the heart of the reserve. …show more content…
Most of the knowledge that we have is from captive okapi. The Okapi conservation project is trying to help the okapis population rises. Its has dropped 50% in 2015. That 35,000 Okapis to 15,000 in just in fifteen years. They are protecting the Endangered okapi and its habit. ‘Based on the findings of the workshop, the okapi were officially classified ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’(okapi conservation). ‘Okapi Conservation Project works with ICCN and communities throughout the Okapi Wildlife Reserve’(okapi conservation). ‘The OCP relies heavily on zoos around the globe to educate the international public about this unique, captivating creature and the importance of its rainforest habitat.’(okapi