By IANS,
Washington : A rare forest giraffe known as Okapi, believed to be extinct, has been sighted for the first time in 50 years in a Congo forest, bringing cheers to researchers.
“This is the first time this species has been captured on film in this park… It is very encouraging to see that this animal has survived,” said Wildlife Conservation Society researcher, Deo Kujirakwinja, who organised the recent camera trap survey.
“Many animals have suffered in this park as a result of the 10 years of insecurity in the region, so it’s encouraging to see that the okapi has survived.”
Measuring up to eight feet in length and standing up to six feet at the shoulder, the okapi has striped legs that give the animal a superficial resemblance to a zebra. It is, in fact, a close relative of the much larger giraffe.
The animal’s current range occurs in the Ituri Forest in northern DR Congo. They are classified as Near Threatened by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and are at risk primarily from habitat destruction.
The photograph was taken during some field surveys of the northern forests of the Virunga Park, an area that has been little visited historically because of the density of the forest and its remoteness.
This region has also been the hideout of a rebel group (ADF – Allied Democratic Front) who have been battling the government of Uganda unsuccessfully for over 20 years.