Deep in the lush rainforests of central Africa lives a creature that seems to have stepped out of a child’s imagination. With zebra-striped legs, a deer-like body, and a face reminiscent of a giraffe, the okapi is a true marvel of nature. This elusive animal remained unknown to Western science until the early 20th century, earning it the nickname “African unicorn”. Today, the okapi continues to captivate and surprise us with its unique characteristics and behaviours. Here are 18 fascinating facts about this extraordinary creature that might just leave you in awe.
They’re the Giraffe’s Only Living Relative
Despite their zebra-like stripes, okapis are actually the closest living relatives of giraffes. They share a common ancestor that lived about 11 million years ago. Both species have long, flexible tongues and similar facial features, though okapis are much smaller than their long-necked cousins. Interestingly, okapis and giraffes are the only living members of the family Giraffidae, making their relationship even more special.
Okapis Have Blue Tongues
Just like giraffes, okapis have incredibly long tongues – up to 30 centimetres in length! Their tongues are a striking blue-black colour, which is thought to help protect them from sunburn as they reach for leaves high in the canopy. This unusual feature also helps them clean their eyes and ears. The dark pigmentation in their tongues is rich in melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen.
They Can Lick Their Own Ears
Thanks to their remarkably long tongues, okapis can reach their own ears and even the back of their necks. This ability helps them keep clean and free from parasites in their dense forest home. It’s also quite a sight to behold! This self-grooming behaviour is crucial for their health, as it helps remove ticks and other insects that could carry diseases.
Okapis Are Masters of Camouflage
Despite their striking appearance, okapis are surprisingly well-camouflaged in their forest habitat. Their reddish-brown coats blend in with the tree trunks, while the white stripes on their legs mimic dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. This clever disguise helps them avoid predators like leopards. The effectiveness of their camouflage is one reason why they remained unknown to Western science for so long.
They Have Scent Glands on Their Feet
Okapis have special scent glands on the bottom of their hooves. As they walk, these glands leave behind a sticky, tar-like substance that helps them mark their territory and communicate with other okapis. It’s like leaving a calling card wherever they go! This scent marking is particularly important for solitary animals like okapis, as it helps them avoid confrontations and find potential mates.
Okapis Are Mostly Silent
Unlike many other forest animals, okapis are remarkably quiet. They rarely make any vocal sounds, instead relying on other forms of communication like scent marking. When they do vocalise, it’s usually a low, cough-like call that’s hard for human ears to detect. This quietness is another adaptation that helps them stay hidden from predators in the dense forest.
They Have Excellent Hearing
To make up for their lack of vocalisations, okapis have incredibly sharp hearing. Their large, rotating ears can pick up the slightest sounds in the forest, helping them stay alert to potential dangers. They can even hear infrasound, which are very low-frequency sounds that humans can’t detect. This keen sense of hearing is crucial for their survival in an environment where visibility is often limited.
Okapis Are Solitary Animals
Despite living in dense forests, okapis prefer to keep to themselves. They’re solitary creatures, only coming together to mate. Mothers and calves stay together for a while, but adult okapis generally avoid each other, each maintaining its own territory. This solitary lifestyle helps them avoid competition for food and reduces the chances of attracting predators.
They Have a Unique Pregnancy
Female okapis typically give birth to a single calf after a 14-15 month pregnancy. That’s one of the longest gestation periods of any land mammal! The calf can stand within 30 minutes of birth and will stay hidden in the forest for the first few months of its life. This long pregnancy ensures that the calf is well-developed at birth, increasing its chances of survival in the challenging forest environment.
Okapis Have a Peculiar Diet
These forest dwellers are herbivores with a taste for over 100 different types of plants. However, they also eat charcoal from burnt trees to help neutralise toxins in their diet and obtain minerals. Some have even been observed eating bat droppings for extra nutrients! Their diverse diet helps them adapt to seasonal changes in plant availability and ensures they get all the nutrients they need.
They Were Once Thought to Be Extinct
Okapis were so elusive that for a time, scientists believed they had gone extinct. It wasn’t until 1901 that Western researchers confirmed their existence. Even today, they’re rarely seen in the wild due to their shy nature and remote habitat. The rediscovery of the okapi was a significant event in zoology, often compared to finding a living dinosaur.
Okapis Can Defend Themselves
Despite their gentle appearance, okapis can deliver powerful kicks with their long legs if threatened. They can kick in any direction, including sideways, making them formidable opponents for would-be predators. Their strong legs also help them navigate the dense forest undergrowth. In addition to kicking, okapis have been known to use their hard, cloven hooves to strike at threats.
They Have an Unusual Gait
When okapis run, they move both legs on one side of their body at the same time, then switch to the other side. This unusual gait is called “pacing” and helps them move quickly through the thick forest underbrush without getting tangled. This unique way of running is shared by camels and giraffes, further highlighting their evolutionary relationship.
Okapis Have Excellent Night Vision
With large, dark eyes, okapis can see well in the dim light of their forest home. This nocturnal vision helps them forage for food in the early morning and late evening when it’s cooler. Their eyes also reflect light, which can be quite startling in the dark! The tapetum lucidum, a layer of tissue behind their retinas, enhances their night vision by reflecting light back through the retina.
They’re Endangered in the Wild
Sadly, okapi populations are declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and civil unrest in their native range. It’s estimated that fewer than 30,000 okapis remain in the wild. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique animals and their forest homes. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo plays a crucial role in these conservation efforts.
Okapis Have Inspired Local Legends
In some parts of central Africa, okapis are known as “forest giraffes” or “ghosts of the forest”. Their elusive nature has inspired many local legends and stories. Some communities even believed they were mythical creatures until relatively recently. These legends have contributed to local conservation efforts, as many communities now take pride in protecting this unique animal.
They’re the National Animal of the Democratic Republic of Congo
The okapi is so important to the Democratic Republic of Congo that it’s been named the country’s national animal. It appears on the logo of the Congolese Wildlife Authority and on Congolese franc banknotes, serving as a symbol of the country’s unique biodiversity. This national recognition has helped raise awareness about the okapi’s conservation needs both within Congo and internationally.
Okapis Can Live for 30 Years
In zoos, where they’re protected from predators and disease, okapis can live up to 30 years. This is much longer than their typical lifespan in the wild, which is usually around 20-25 years. Their longevity in captivity has helped scientists learn more about these fascinating creatures. This extended lifespan in zoos has been crucial for breeding programmes aimed at preserving the species.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
