Okapi

The okapi, scientific name Okapia johnstoni, resides within the tropical forest regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The okapi is a shy creature, more closely related to the giraffe than any other animal. It's characteristic black and white stripes located on it's legs and it's pale face make it a very distinct and unique animal. 

This is an isolated species, composed of a single population of individuals in an area that is slowly being consumed to make way for logging and human settlements. They are considered Endangered due to decreasing population size coupled with continued threats of hunting and habitat loss.

As you will discover later on, okapi are rare, illusive, and very special in terms of genetic and evolutionary uniqueness. Over all they make up a very small portion of the phylogenetic tree of life; all the more reason to protect and safeguard them, to preserve they're unique characteristics for future generations.