The okapi is an animal endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for its rather distinctive appearance, combining an antelope-like body with black and white stripes on its legs.
This species is considered an icon of the Central African rainforest ecosystem, yet it has been "missing" from human sight for a long time, raising concerns about the potential decline of its habitat and okapi population.
The okapi primarily inhabits the dense forests of eastern and central Democratic Republic of Congo, a country with one of the world's most important tropical rainforest ecosystems. Its habitat is under pressure from deforestation, illegal hunting, and persistent instability in some areas.
The re-recording of the okapi is considered a positive sign for wildlife conservation programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the importance of maintaining natural forests – home to many endemic species.