Embedded Files
Social Structure
Okapi are not sociable creatures. They are not looking for company, yet they may eat in small groups for a brief time. They would rather live alone in huge, remote locations (which is becoming increasingly difficult for them as their rainforest habitat shrinks).
Reproduction
Okapis will breed throughout the year, with estrus occurring every 15 days. No particular breeding season.
How many mates do they have
To mate, males join female home ranges. Males approach females in a discreet and careful manner. Males marking with urine is most common during courting.
One calf per pregnancy
Development
At three years old, both males and females are sexually mature. Females produce trumpet noises and leave smell markers in the forest to warn males during mating season.
Following mating, the male and female split. Okapi give birth to a single calf weighing 30-65 pounds (14-30 kg) during a 14-month gestation period in dense forest foliage. Within 30 minutes, the calf will be able to stand and begin feeding.
The calf hides in the underbrush for the first two months and nurses rarely. Hiding and relaxing keeps calves safe from predators and appears to promote fast development.
IUCN Rating
they are crititcally endangered
Population-22,000
Population Trend- decreasing
Impact of Humans
The most prominent threat to the okapi and other species in the DRC is habitat loss due to illegal mining and logging that occurs on protected lands. The okapi is also threatened by poaching and the bushmeat trade (illegal hunting and sale of wildlife as meat).
DONATE TO HELP SAVE THE OKAPI
Page updated
Report abuse