Giraffe and okapi: Africa's forgotten megafauna

Recent ecological studies and conservation assessments reveal significant population declines for both giraffe and okapi, with giraffe numbers dropping over 43% since 1998 and okapi populations likely halving in the last two decades. The okapi, once classified as 'Near Threatened,' is now listed as 'Endangered' by the IUCN, while two giraffe subspecies—West African and Rothschild's—are also critically endangered. These declines are driven by habitat loss, poaching, human encroachment, and socio-political instability across their ranges. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced monitoring, conservation efforts, and global awareness to mitigate threats and ensure the long-term survival of these iconic species. Innovative methods such as camera traps and noninvasive genetic approaches show promise in addressing knowledge gaps, particularly for the elusive okapi.

Kümpel, N. F., Grange, S., & Fennessy, J. (2015). Giraffe and okapi: Africa’s forgotten megafauna. African Journal of Ecology, 53(2), 132–134. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12220