The Okapi's Future

Okapi’s are a rare species specailly adapted to the Ituri Rainforest. They have a striped coat of fur on their lower half to camouflage into striped light that comes from the trees, long necks to eat from taller plants, and a third eyelid which protects their eyes from branches. Illegal mining, logging, and agricultural settlements in Ituri are causing deforestation and ruining safe habitats for animals. The common dry season is causing less rain and moisture. There are also many hunters harming Okapis for its skin which is very valuable. Due to the mass deforestation, the Okpai’s neck and legs will become shorter and they will not need a third eyelid. Many people hunt Okapis for their special striped skin, so it's more likely for them to evolve with less pattern on their furr. All of these changes will completely alter the Okapis traditional look.