Even experienced researchers can spend years without seeing an okapi. Their coloration blends perfectly with forest shadows. They move slowly and deliberately to avoid detection. Okapids also freeze when sensing danger. This makes them appear like part of the environment. Many sightings are brief and accidental.
This elusiveness protects them from predators and humans. It also complicates research and conservation.
The difficulty of observation shows how much remains unknown. Some large animals still live hidden lives.
Many okapi photographs come from remote camera traps.
National Geographic (nationalgeographic.com)