OKAPI

THE PLACE

Okapis are found only in the tropical forests of northeastern Zaire in Africa. They live between Uelle and Ituri rivers and jungles of Aruwimi. They prefer altitudes between 500 and 1,000 m.

.The okapi is a mammal and its scientific noun is Okapia johnstoni.

.The okapi are predominantly solitary animals that occasionally live in pairs or small family groups.

.They live around 30 years.

.Okapi hatchlings can make sounds but adults tend to be dumb.

.It is a species in danger of extinction.

NATURAL HISTORY

THE BODYThe okapi has a form resembling that of a horse. · The body length is 2.5 m, and height is 1.5 m. · They’ve got a long neck and the ears are large and flexible. · The body is brown with white zones and brown stripes in the anus and in his legs. · The males have horns, but the females do not. · They have a long tongue to eat and clean themselves.

FOOD HABITSOkapis are diurnal. They feed primarily on the leaves, buds, and shoots. Many of the plants that they eat, are toxic to us. Additionally, okapis eat grasses, fruits, ferns, and fungi.

REPRODUCTION.In the wild, okapis are solitary, coming together primarily for mating.

.Eventually, the male asserts his dominance by extending his neck, tossing his head, and thrusting one leg forward.

.Usually in every birth a child is born. Newborns weigh about 16 kilograms.

.The gestation period lasts about 440 days.

Made by: Maria Lara, Neus Lúcia and Mireia Reñé.