7. The Enigmatic Okapi: A Living Fossil from the Heart of Africa
The okapi (Okapia johnstoni), the elusive “forest giraffe,” is a singular mammal of the Congo’s dense rainforests. It blends a horse-like body, zebra-like striped legs, and a long neck linking it to its closest relative, the giraffe. A thick, chocolate-brown coat provides superb camouflage in dappled forest light. Males bear small, skin-covered ossicones used in dominance bouts. Its prehensile tongue, up to 30 cm (12 inches), deftly plucks leaves and buds in the understory. Habitat loss, poaching, and regional instability threaten the okapi. Initiatives like the Okapi Conservation Project work to protect this enigmatic species and the Congo’s rich biodiversity—vital steps for an irreplaceable ecosystem.
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