Female okapids isolate themselves to give birth deep in the forest. Newborn calves remain motionless and silent for weeks. This behavior prevents predators from detecting them. Mothers return periodically to nurse rather than staying nearby. The calf’s waste has little odor, further reducing detection. This extreme secrecy increases survival odds.
This reproductive strategy is rare among large mammals. It shows how vulnerability shapes behavior.
The approach emphasizes caution over protection through size or aggression. Survival depends on remaining unseen.
Calves can go weeks without defecating to avoid predators.
Smithsonian National Zoo (si.edu)