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What is the okapis behavior?
Behavior and reproduction Active during the day, the elusive okapi prefers to be alone. Its hooves secrete sticky territorial markings, while males also spray their territory with urine. Sometimes, however, okapis will congregate in small groups to eat, groom, and even play.
How do okapi behave?
Behavior. Okapis are not gregarious creatures. They are generally found roaming around the forest independently. However, okapis are known to tolerate other individuals and can spend a short period of time feeding in groups.
What adaptations do okapis have?
Okapi are well adapted to their dense, dark surroundings. Their distinctly large ears help them to sense hidden predators. Their dark bodies blend into the shadows and their striped hindquarters break up any outline, making it difficult for predators to spot them.
Why are okapis endangered?
Ongoing threats from armed conflict, habitat fragmentation, human encroachment, and poaching have rendered the species endangered in the last year. Only known to the Western world since 1901, the elusive okapi is nearly impossible to observe in the wild because its sense of hearing and smell are extremely acute.
Are okapis endangered?
Endangered (Population decreasing)
Okapi/Conservation status
What kind of behavior does an okapi have?
Okapis claim land by urinating in small areas or by rubbing their bodies on trees or bushes, creating a border of some sort. Sometimes males will fight over land and bash necks like the giraffe or use the horns on their heads. However, okapis are very tolerant with other species in their territory.
How is the okapi related to the giraffe?
Okapi are incredibly unique animals, both in appearance and behavior. These beautiful mammals are related to giraffes, and the resemblance can be seen in the head and neck. This is an endangered species, and their survival rests in our hands.
How does an okapi mark its own territory?
A male okapi would normally mark their territory by urine or rubbing their necks onto trees. However, the aim of an okapi marking its territory is mainly to limit their own areas for resting and sleeping. Two male okapis use their necks to fight with each other during territorial disputes, or as competition during mating with the female.
How often do Okapi males mate in the wild?
Finally, the male okapi asserts its dominance by tossing its head while extending its neck, and by thrusting one leg forward. Soon after, the male mounts the female and ends in copulation. After mating, the male and the female part their ways. Generally, the female okapi breeds every two to three years.