okapi

Okapis were known to the western world only in 1901.

Researchers compiled the genetic instruction book, or genome, for both the giraffe and the okapi, its short-necked closest living relative.

Estimates suggest that fewer than 1,100 are left in the wild Okapi calf, Usala 8.

Curator of mammals, Tim Rowlands said: "Sadly okapis and their close relatives, the giraffes, continue to be forgotten giants.

"There is an urgent need for action since the natural heritage of the DRC is in great danger", said World Bank representative Emmanuel Mbi, adding that the World Bank plans to launch a new $10 million project to help with the protection of five Congolese national parks listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites (the Virunga, Garamba, Kahuzi-Biega, and Salonga national parks and the okapis Reserve).

In addition, the country's wildlife, including okapis, gorillas and elephants, has long attracted poachers.

o ``Psychoanalysis is the enemy of yoghurt, latitudianariansm, high explosives, okapis, metaphors and garden shears'' - Actor John Cleese.

Okapis belong to the giraffe family but have a much shorter neck.

FOOT and mouth disease is extremely contagious and affects cloven- footed animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, goats, deer and even camels and okapis.

Scientists didn't even know okapis existed until 1901.

Botanist Terese Hart comments, "We're still learning the lessons." She and her wildlife biologist husband have seen nearly as much war as peace during the 20 years they've studied the plants, okapis, and other wonders of the Ituri Forest in what is now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo.