Where does an okapi live for kids?
Okapis are hoofed mammals that are related to giraffes. They are found only in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. Scientists did not know about the okapi until about 1900.
How are the okapi and giraffe related?
The only close relative of the giraffe is the okapi (Okapia johnstoni). The okapi has a similar body shape as a giraffe, however, with a much shorter neck relative to its body size. Interestingly, only the male okapi has ossicones. …
Did you know facts about okapi?
Here are a few things you may not know about the extraordinary okapi.
- Okapis Belong to the Giraffe Family.
- Their Stripes May Serve Multiple Purposes.
- Wild Okapis Only Live in One Country.
- Their Fur Is Velvety and Oily.
- They Are Rarely Seen in the Wild.
- Their Tongue Is Long Enough to Clean Their Eyes and Ears.
What do okapis eat for kids?
They feed on leaves, fruits, grasses and some species of fungi. They also eat a reddish clay that provides essential salt and minerals. Okapi are not social animals.
What kind of animal is an okapi?
forest giraffe
What is the okapi? Known as the “forest giraffe,” the okapi looks more like a cross between a deer and a zebra. Nevertheless, it’s the giraffe’s only living relative.
When was the first okapi found?
1901
The okapi was first discovered by the western world by ZSL fellow, Sir Harry Johnston, in 1901 but what else do we know about this extraordinary and shy creature? The only place in the world that you can find a wild okapi is in the dense tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why is a okapi a giraffe?
After Canthumeryx, the family tree split into two branches, with the ancestors of the giraffe on one side and the precursors to the okapi on the other. While the giraffe ancestors’ necks lengthened over time, the animals on the okapi side developed shorter necks.
Who discovered okapi?
Sir Harry Johnston
How many okapi are left in the world 2021?
22,000 Okapis
How many Okapis are left in the world? There are 22,000 Okapis left in the world.
How do okapi sleep?
The okapi only sleeps five minutes per day! It has about ten slow wave sleep phases, but they are never longer than 30 seconds each. However, the okapi likes to snooze and spends up to six hours per night on its resting place.
What are the predators of the okapi?
Leopards are the main predator of okapis. The stripes on okapis’ legs and rump help to break up the outline of their body and camouflage them in the shadows of the rainforest.
What two animals make an okapi?
What is the okapi? Known as the “forest giraffe,” the okapi looks more like a cross between a deer and a zebra.
What are 10 interesting facts about Okapi?
10 Okapi Facts for Kids. 1. The Okapi is a relatively unknown animal that lives in the Congo. It is called the forest giraffe or the zebra giraffe is an unusual looking animal. It looks like an animal that was pieced together using other animals. 2. It has zebra like legs with a reddish body and a giraffe like body.
What is the difference between an okapi and a giraffe?
The okapi is an even-toed hoofed mammal, and the only relative of the giraffe. It has a much shorter neck than the giraffe. Male and female okapis look similar, with a long head and neck, a dark mouth and body, large ears, and zebralike stripes on the rump and upper parts of the legs.
How many babies does an okapi have?
Female okapi vocalizes when she is ready for the mating. Males and females spend few weeks together, which is enough for females to become pregnant. Pregnancy lasts between 14 and 16 months and it ends with one calf. Young okapi looks like an adult animal, except it has a fringe of hair along its spine.
Are Okapi solitary animals?
Okapi are solitary animals although mothers will often roam with their offspring. Because of their great sense of smell, okapi can tell if another okapi has been there by sniffing the ground.