The okapi (/oʊˈkɑːpiː/; Okapia johnstoni), also known as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe and zebra giraffe, is an ungulate found only in the dense tropical forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the zebra-like striped markings on its legs and hindquarters, which contrast its dark brown body, it is actually a member of the giraffe family. Although not as tall as giraffes, an okapi can stand 1.5m (4f 11in) tall and weigh up to 350kg (770lb). The okapi displays sexual dimorphism, with males possessing short horn-like ossicones on their heads, whilst females have prominent hair whorls instead. Females are also larger than males.
Okapis are solitary animals, generally only coming together to mate. They have large territories and a male's range will overlap several females. They are herbivores, using their long tongues to browse for suitable leaves, buds, fruit and other vegetation. The species was only described to the Western world in 1901, making it one of the last large animals known to science.
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