Okapids are found exclusively in the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They do not naturally occur anywhere else on the planet. This narrow range makes them highly vulnerable to habitat loss. Their survival is tied directly to this specific ecosystem. Environmental changes here have outsized impacts. Few large mammals have such limited geographic distribution.
This fact underscores the fragility of specialized species. Losing one habitat could mean global extinction.
It highlights the importance of regional conservation efforts. Protecting one forest protects an entire species.
The okapi is a national symbol of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (iucn.org)