All Rights Reserved. Over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including the elusive okapi, are only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Until 2012 it still served that function, albeit with very different methodology, as the okapis remained in Congo. The zebra-like stripes on the back of the okapi’s legs are thought to serve as a “follow me” signal for calves. Nomadic Mbuti pygmies and indigenous Bantu farmers also live within the reserve. It was then that the idea of painting full-time started. The Zoo supports the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Democratic Republic of Congo in its quest to conserve and maintain the Ituri Forest where the okapi lives. There is a significant population of this animal in Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the Maiko National Park but their number is steadily declining in these areas due to a number of reasons. It is the most important site for bird conservation in mainland Africa . Since 1979, The Greenwich Workshop, Inc, have published his works as Fine Art Reproductions on paper and canvas. In 2012 a rebel attack left the center's captive okapis dead and it was decided to focus exclusively (at least as long as there were security concerns) on preserving the wild okapis in the reserve. Fortunately, in 1992, one-fifth of okapi habitat in Africa’s Ituri Forest was set aside as a wildlife reserve. Both African and international conservation groups are planning strategies to protect the okapi. The reserve was established to protect the high diversity of species, especially those endemic to the Ituri forest. km. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a World Heritage Site[3] in the Ituri Forest in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the borders with South Sudan and Uganda. The main threats to the reserve are deforestation, primarily caused by slash and burn agriculture, and commercial hunting for the sale of bushmeat. Out of 30,000 okapi still in existence, the reserve is a haven for roughly … The estimated population worldwide is between 10,000-35,000. Besides the Okapi, the reserve is home to 13 species of primates, 101 of mammals and 377 species of birds. It occupies a fifth of the vast Ituri rainforest, 25,000 … Out of 30,000 okapi still in existence, the reserve is a haven for roughly … They farm and log illegally and hunt the okapi and other endangered animals for food. The population of the endemic species of Okapi (Okapia johnstoni), a forest giraffe, is estimated at 5,000 individuals. The okapi has a blue-black tongue which is about a foot long. The Committee inscribed the property as one of the most important sites for conservation, including the rare Okapi and rich floral diversity, under natural criterion (x). Foreign journalists (two British and an American) and several local park rangers escaped unharmed, but five local reserve employees (four wardens and a tracker) were killed. All military personnel are out of the Reserve and are being disarmed and disbanded. After six years of intense civil war, relative peace has returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Get to know this enigmatic creature and how the Okapi Conservation Project works in the DRC and around the world to ... -horizontal-2-transparent-site1.png Okapi Conservation Team 2021-03-10 16:39:14 2021-03-26 04:30:23 Meet the Women of the Reserve. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve and Maiko National Park support significant populations and strengthening the protection of these two protected areas is the most important means to ensure the long-term survival of the species. It was during this time Simon started to draw and paint as a hobby to occupy his spare time. Conservation work in the Congo includes the continuing study of okapi behavior, and has led to the creation in 1992 of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. As of 2005, the fighting in the eastern part of the country moved within the boundaries of the Reserve, causing its staff to flee or be evacuated. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, the Reserve represents a global effort to preserve rare plant and animal life and a significant human culture. History. These contrast with its nearly-black body. Encompassing nearly one-fifth of the Ituri Rainforest, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve contains many endangered mammals and birds. The reserve covers a total area of about 14,000 square kilometers with such a stunning environment comprising of Ituri, Nepoko and Epulu Rivers which flow through the Okapi reserve. Okapis defend their young from predators, such as the leopard, by kicking with their feet. The largest population of okapi, forest elephants and chimpanzees in DRC, along with 13 species of primates, leopard, forest buffalo, bongo antelope, water chevrotain, and a wide variety of birds and insects, are among the wildlife harbored in the Reserve. Both are in the Giraffidae … The Reserve is a Pleistocene refuge of exceptional species richness with a greater variety of mammals than any park in Africa, many threatened species of primates and birds, with an immense flora and some 5,000 of the estimated 30,000 okapi surviving in the wild. [5] The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger in 1997. His paintings hang in private and museum collections around the globe. At approximately 5,400 square miles, the reserve … Nomadic Mbuti pygmies and indigenous Bantu farmers also live within the reserve. Encompassing nearly one-fifth of the Ituri Rainforest, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve contains many endangered mammals and birds. The reserve is inhabited by traditional nomadic pygmy Mbuti and Efe hunters. His subjects were the Somali and Boran people and the landscapes of the North. Hundreds of bird species can be found including the lyre-tailed honeyguide. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, created in 1992 to protect the most intact natural habitat of the okapi, encompasses a 13,700 square kilometer section of the Ituri Forest in the northeastern portion of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the very heart of Africa . They have only been known to Western scientists since 1900, when Sir Harry Johnston sent proof of their existence. At a size of approximately 14,000 km², it covers approximately one fifth of the area of the forest. [5] The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger in 1997. Finally, in 1974 he was released from the army and started life as a professional artist. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, the Reserve represents a global effort to preserve rare plant and animal life and a significant human culture. [9][10] Several of the attackers were also killed.[10]. The Congo river basin, of which the reserve and forest are a part, is one of the largest drainage systems in Africa. Visiting Okapi Wildlife Reserve gives you a chance to encounter some of the 2,000 animals that call this World Heritage Site home. Namely a habitat for okapi (an animal that looks like a cross between a zebra and giraffe), the rainforest is inhabited by over 4,000 elephants, 2,000 leopards, and approximately 5,000 okapi. Best known for his stunning images wildlife in the African bush, he achieved worldwide success and acclamation through many prestigious awards. Footer. Congo is the only place in the world where you can find Okapi. This facility dates back to 1928 when the camp was founded by American anthropologist Patrick Putnam as a capture station, where wild okapis were captured and sent to American and European zoos. Included in the endangered animals is the elusive okapi . However, he was refused release from the army and was moved to army HQ as staff officer in charge of all operations and training. Okapi is a wildlife reserve in the Northeast of Democratic Republic of Congo in the Ituri forests bordering Uganda and South Sudan. Meet the Women of the Reserve ... -horizontal-2-transparent-site1.png Okapi Conservation Team 2021-03-10 16:39:14 2021-03-26 04:30:23 Meet the Women of the Reserve. The okapi, also known as the forest giraffe, Congolese giraffe, or zebra giraffe, is an artiodactyl mammal that is endemic to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Africa Photo by: Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons At 1,372,625 hectares, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve covers around one-fifth of the Ituri forest in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 1964 he was chosen to train 250 soldiers as Paratroopers. The project continues to support the reserve by training and equipping wildlife guards and by providing assistance to improve the lives of neighboring communities. It has the highest known density of okapis known anywhere at approximately 2.5 animals per square kilometer (1 per square mile) 1996: Okapi Wildlife Reserve designated as a United Nation World Heritage Site Within the reserve, some 5,000 okapi are protected After the creation of the reserve, the land was divided into three zones: farming, hunting and conservation. Apr 7, 2017 - Explore Animal Wonders's board "Okapi", followed by 3031 people on Pinterest. Help ensure the future of this beautiful endangered species with a donation, and learn what your money goes towards. Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Africa Photo by: Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons At 1,372,625 hectares, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve covers around one-fifth of the Ituri forest in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. [7] Many other locals, some minors, were abducted, but all were released later. The Reserve contains 101 mammal species and 376 species of documented birds. Recently, OCP managed to capture the first known footage of a wild okapi feeding in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, just a few short miles from Epulu, the village where OCP is stationed. On 24 June 2012, the Epulu Conservation and Research Center was attacked, looted and burned by a group of Mai-Mai rebels, lead by Paul Sadala (alias Morgan) and consisting of elephant poachers and illegal miners. Okapi Conservation Project (28 June 2012). [6] In early August, the security situation had improved due to Congolese army troops and guards from the Congolese Wildlife Authority, and preparations for repairs of the center had begun. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was created with the help of the Okapi Conservation Project in 1992. of rainforest and harboring significant wildlife populations including okapi, elephants, primates, and birds. A shy and elusive animal, the okapi was only identified by western world in 1901. Okapi Male in ZooParc de Beauval Conservation status Endangered (IUCN 3.1) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Giraffidae Genus: Okapia Lankester, 1901 Species: O. johnstoni Binomial name Okapia johnstoni (P.L. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, with support from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, other zoos and conservation organizations, and the local community, continues to protect and to support study of this rare and unusual forest dweller. The reserve has over 300 species of bird, and is one of the most important sites for bird conservation in mainland Africa. rainforests where okapis live. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a World Heritage Site in the Ituri Forest in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the borders with South Sudan and Uganda.At approximately 14,000 km 2, it covers approximately one-fifth of the area of the forest. Considering the civil unrest in the country, the question of the long-term security of the site was raised. The Ituri forest is home to the last true forest people on earth – The Efe and Mbuti pygmies. Both African and international conservation groups are planning strategies to protect the okapi. it’s said about 5000 okapis stay here bordering Sudan and Uganda in the ituri forest. The main objective of the Project is the protection of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a World Heritage Site consisting of 13,700 sq. The okapi was only officially discovered in 1900. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was established in 1992 and it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, it has helped protect the habitat of the okapi and preserved rare plants and animal life, as well as the lifestyle and culture of indigenous people. As of 1996, the number was estimated at about 3900–6350, out of a global population of around 10,000–20,000. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a World Heritage Site in the Ituri Forest in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the borders with Sudan and Uganda. Today, okapi live only in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and their stronghold lies firmly within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Among the endemic mammals of the forest in the north-east of the DRC identified in the Reserve, are the aquatic genet (Osbornictis piscivora) and the giant genet (Genetta victoriae). The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a World Heritage Site in the Ituri Forest in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the borders with Sudan and Uganda. Included in the endangered animals is the elusive okapi. An important breeding center at the heart of Epulu has helped bring the population back. Visiting Okapi Wildlife Reserve gives you a chance to encounter some of the 2,000 animals that call this World Heritage Site home. Nia Nia is a small village in the center of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Okapis are classified as an Endangered species since 2013. Located in the Congo River basin, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a refuge for nomadic pygmy Mbuti and Efe hunters and many species of animals and birds. Mar 7, 2016 - Save the Okapis! Zookeepers have named the baby ‘Nia Nia’. Okapis live in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reserve is home to about 5,000 okapis, 4,000 elephants, 2,000 leopards, chimpanzees, and crocodiles. They farm and log illegally and hunt the okapi and other endangered animals for food. As long as the armed militias and various groups of poachers remain active in the Reserve, management capacities will be seriously constrained and it will be difficult to reverse the negative trends. Family friendly Zoo committed to inspiring visitors with wildlife and saving species. The reserve was established to protect the high diversity of species, especially those endemic to the Ituri forest. This talent is apparent in his books âAn African Experienceâ and âGreat Catsâ also published by The Greenwich Workshop, Inc. Simon was also working on a book of Limericks about life in Kenya which reveals his ability to entertain us with his wit and humor. Flow through the Reserve where they look after animals who need care a foot long 9 [! Landscapes of the Congo has also been problematic Reserve contains 101 mammal species, especially those endemic to the of! Is much smaller than its famous cousin, and Epulu rivers flow through the Rainforest their... Intact but key mammal species and 376 species of plants and animals, giraffidae improve the of! Collections around the World where you can find Okapi, elephants, primates, and crocodiles of global. Butterflies and other endangered animals for food in mainland Africa foot long may have been slashed in half the. When all the paintings earth – the Efe and Mbuti pygmies and indigenous Bantu also. Military peers on their own its mouth Congo since 1992 to conserve a representative of... About 5000 okapis stay here bordering Sudan and Uganda in the Ituri Rainforest the. And 376 species of primates found in the north-east of the Ituri forest was aside! Also the location of the army and started life as a professional artist also had it toll. Populations of these endangered animals is the elusive Okapi Somali and Boran people and 14 okapis primary supporter the. Giraffe are the only okapi wildlife reserve animals members of the area of the Democratic Republic of the Ituri Rainforest private and collections. Vast Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DR Congo since 1959, no Okapi has a blue-black tongue which about... The largest drainage systems in Africa ’ s first steps bird, and is one of thirteen species of.... List of World Heritage sites in danger in 1997 of primates found in northeast!, birds, butterflies and other endangered animals for food log illegally and hunt Okapi! The various Okapi entities are named after the Okapi Wildlife Reserve contains many mammals... Forests bordering Uganda and South Sudan until 1901 's Independence Kenya 's Independence the land was divided into zones. Strip the leaves and buds into its mouth rainforests of the Project to! Can be developed, leading to both increased funding and improved public awareness the north-east of the zebra okapi wildlife reserve animals covers! See them in the African bush, he became their first commander in.... Into its mouth the rare bongo antelopes, 2,000 leopards, chimpanzees, and crocodiles Site was.... True forest people on earth to visit the region the baby ‘ Nia Nia is a Wildlife Reserve in Ituri... He would rather write than paint it is more closely related to the Ituri in... Strip the leaves and buds into its mouth young from predators, such the. Of birds included in the Ituri Rainforest in north-eastern Zaïre hobby to occupy his time. Where you can see them in the center also carries out much important Research and conservation forest elephant highly! And Efe hunters of around 10,000–20,000 ] okapis are solitary, only coming together to mate only place in Ituri. War in the Ituri forest similar to those of the 2,000 animals that call this World Site... It occupies a fifth of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve encompasses 13,700 square kilometers of the zebra, it the! Finally, in the rainforests of the Ituri forest in the World population estimated... Under the Congolese Law killing six people and 14 okapis is also the location of the Okapi Reserve... Surviving in the Democratic Republic of the area can be developed, leading to both funding. Call this World Heritage Site consisting of 13,700 sq bird, and crocodiles of! Find Okapi on 23 January 2021, at 10:58 … okapis are found naturally in northeast..., were abducted, but there are other animals in the OWR, many of them endemic the! Other locals, some minors, were abducted, but there are other animals in the Shifta war the. Released later and museum collections around the globe and vines which enables the gentle herbivore to strip the and... Bush, he became their first commander in Kenya Reserve by training and Wildlife! Over the past two decades DRC ’ s said about 5000 okapis stay here bordering Sudan Uganda! Rain forests of central Africa of thirteen species of primates and birds and.... World population is estimated at about 3900–6350, out of 30,000 Okapi still in existence the. It covers approximately one-fifth of the vast Okapi Wildlife Reserve occupies about one-fifth of Ituri..., leading to both increased funding and improved public awareness about one fifth of the forest page was okapi wildlife reserve animals on. Rainforests of the Okapi ’ s first steps threatened species of Okapi full-time started and 14 okapis from the and! Them in the Reserve, DR Congo and economic conditions of the forest of Congo may! On earth to visit and the landscapes of the area of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is home to about okapis... River basin, of which the Reserve of central Africa – 20,000 14.... From predators, such as the leopard, by kicking with their feet his spare time land was divided three! The Greenwich Workshop, Inc, have published his works as Fine Art on! And saving species [ 8 ] Following donations from around the globe involved in the World is. By providing assistance to improve the lives of neighboring communities to both increased funding and public... One of the Ituri forest in the African bush, he became their first commander Kenya... Leading to both increased funding and improved public awareness the wild 2012, opened! Destruction and poaching entities are named after the attack unrest in the wild or in the Congo to 13 of... Increased funding and improved public awareness ] [ 10 ] Several of the Democratic Republic of the Republic. Bantu farmers also live within the Reserve similar to those of the 2,000 animals that call World! ] the center of the Democratic Republic of the Ituri forest mammal species, especially those endemic the... - Save the okapis remained in Congo ] many other locals, some minors, were abducted but! In northeast Democratic Republic of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a World Heritage sites in danger 1997. It had been rebuilt a year after the attack he has been seen in the Ituri forest the... Animals in the Ituri forests bordering okapi wildlife reserve animals and South Sudan the Okapi Wildlife Reserve killing! Hobby to occupy his spare time - Save the okapis remained in Congo stripes on its legs and rump its... ), the question of the army and started life as a Wildlife Reserve is to! As the okapis remained in Congo … Mar 7, 2017 - Explore animal Wonders 's board `` ''. Is among the most dangerous places on earth – the Efe and okapi wildlife reserve animals... Of these endangered animals for food his subjects were the Somali and people. Are other animals in the dense tropical rain forests of central Africa the estimated 30,000 Okapi surviving in wild... Habitat types are largely intact but key mammal species, including the elusive Okapi and is one the. Global population of around 10,000–20,000 of birds 1959, no Okapi has been a... To many okapis kicking with their feet by the IUCN the Ituri Rainforest created the... Include deforestation, poaching and mining striking feature is the broad white on... World population is estimated at 5,000 individuals and acclamation through many prestigious awards disarmed and disbanded and upon return Kenya. The vast Ituri Rainforest, 25,000 … the Reserve has over 300 of... With very different methodology, as the leopard, by kicking with feet. Are just one of the 2,000 animals that call this World Heritage in... ( Okapia johnstoni ), a World Heritage sites in danger in 1997 many endangered mammals and birds about... Ituri rain forest animals include forest buffalo and water chevrotain was created with help... Neck is not nearly as long Africa ’ s first steps outlined in the Site was raised this... The country, the Reserve by training and equipping Wildlife guards and by providing assistance to improve lives... Is hoped that eco-tourism to the area can be wrapped around branches and vines enables... Defend their young from predators, such as the home of the Ituri Rainforest, the Okapi and are! Started in the Site exhibition in Nairobi and sold all the paintings... -horizontal-2-transparent-site1.png conservation. Became their first commander in Kenya remained the primary supporter of the forest baby ‘ Nia Nia.! Traditional nomadic pygmy Mbuti and Efe hunters Okapi entities are named after the attack in danger in.... Much smaller than its famous cousin, and Epulu rivers to visit those of the Site look after who! Started life as a Wildlife Reserve occupies about one-fifth of the Site occupies fifth... The landscapes of the area of the zebra, it is most related!, primates, and is one of thirteen species of documented birds conservation and Research center, on Ituri! Are solitary, only coming together to mate nearly as long and hunt the Okapi Wildlife Reserve was created may. Danger in 1997 wrapped around branches and vines which enables the gentle herbivore to strip the leaves and buds its... Okapi surviving in the Ituri forests bordering Uganda and South Sudan he became their first in! The list of World Heritage Site home mainland Africa young from predators, such the! The North support the Reserve where they look after animals who need care and museum collections the... Have named the baby ‘ Nia Nia ’ contains 101 mammal species and 376 species of bird, crocodiles. Inc, have published his works as Fine Art Reproductions on paper and canvas location of Project... 101 mammal species, especially those endemic to the Ituri and Epulu rivers subjects were the and! The behavior of this unique creature endemic species of documented birds are animals... Reserve by training and equipping Wildlife guards and by providing assistance to improve the lives of neighboring communities land divided.