| Registration Classification | Natural heritage, heritage in danger 1997-. |
| Registration Criteria | (10) |
| Year of registration | 1996 |
The okapi is a rather unusual animal, one of the three most rare animals in the world. There is a protected area in a part of the Ituri Forest in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where 5,000 wild okapi are believed to live. Many other endemic and endangered species also live here, and the area is also famous for being home to indigenous African pygmies (Mbuti people).
Here, a World Heritage enthusiast explains why the Okapi Wildlife Refuge is a World Heritage Site in an easy-to-understand manner. Read this and you will definitely learn more about the Okapi Wildlife Refuge!
What is the Okapi Wildlife Refuge?
About one-fifth of the Ituri Forest in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the borders of Sudan and Uganda, is registered as a World Heritage site as a protected area. Okapi, which give the reserve its name, are abundant, and about one-sixth of all the okapi inhabiting the world.
It is also home to 101 other mammal species, including 17 primate species, and 376 bird species, including the African golden cat, which also lives here.It is also famous for having the largest population of chimpanzees in Africa, with approximately 7,500 chimpanzees.
Okapi (Okapia johnstoni)
Although it looks like a horse, it is actually a member of the giraffe family. Henry Johnston, the governor of Uganda, discovered it in the early 20th century, and at first Henry even announced it as a new species of the horse family. The adult weighs between 200 and 300 grams and is characterized by a zebra pattern on its buttocks and limbs.
In fact, it is believed that the okapi is a close ancestor of the giraffe and evolved to look like a horse because it lived in the forest and did not need to have a long neck.
Heritage in denger
The reserve was suffering from deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture and poaching. Furthermore, due to political instability, fighting has occurred almost entirely within the reserve, and the staff has withdrawn from the area. Therefore, in 1997, it was added to the list of heritage in danger.
For what reason is the Okapi Wildlife Refuge on the World Heritage List?
Okapi Wildlife Refuge was recognized for
Registration Criteria (x)
It is estimated that there are about 5,000 endangered okapi in the reserve, but the point is that it is also home to endangered primates and birds.
Conclusions and Impressions of a World Heritage Enthusiast
Since it is named “Okapi,” of course it is one of the largest okapi habitats in the world, but it is also home to many endangered and endemic species, which is a point of appreciation.However, since it is also a Heritage of Crisis site, they are considering to operate the site on tourism income through eco-tourism while maintaining public safety.
By the way, the way to distinguish between the genus Okapi and the genus Equus is the hoof. The okapi has two separate hooves, while the horse has only one hoof, so you know they are not the same species. And the obvious difference is that the male okapi has horns.
*The content here is a discussion derived through research by World Heritage enthusiasts.As for the data, interpretation differs depending on the media.
