THE International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reclassified okapi, a relative of the giraffe, as "endangered" in the newly released IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Originally classified as "near threatened", okapi are found in rainforests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their environment is a difficult one to work in due to dangerous groups of rebels, and this combined with their shy nature has meant that until recently there has been little accurate information about the species.
However, through the work of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in Virunga National Park, and consultation with partners across DRC, it has become clear the opaki is threatened. In 2010, a collaborative project was launched by ZSL, assessing the species status across its range, and developing the first ever okapi conservation strategy. This strategy highlighted the impact of poaching and habitat loss on the okapi population.
Newly formed IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group, co-hosted by ZSL, will work closely with partner organisations and the Congolese government to carry out priority actions outlined in the strategy to secure Okapis future in wild.
Jean-Joseph Mapilanga, speaking on behalf of the ICCN executive director, said: “It is critical to raise awareness of the threats to okapi and pressures on protected areas in DRC, and to support continued government efforts to tackle the challenges linked to impacts of civil conflict and poverty, to enable the long-term survival of this national icon.”
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