Endangered Okapi Returns to Congo Reserve 13 Years After Deadly Attack
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📰 The quick summary: After 13 years of absence following a deadly attack, an okapi has returned to the Epulu area of Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a symbolic step toward conservation recovery in the region.
📈 One key stat: Only an estimated 5,000 okapis remain in the wildlife reserve, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered ‘African unicorns’ from extinction.
💬 One key quote: “We welcome the return of the okapi with great joy after the tragedy in Epulu. The okapi is the pride of Mambasa [territory] and put us on the map. If it were to disappear, the Mambasa territory would be consigned to oblivion,” said Andy Kambale Matuku, coordinator of the environmental organization Journalist Friends of Nature.
1️⃣ The big picture: Rangers at Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully brought an okapi back to the Epulu headquarters area for the first time in over a decade. This milestone comes 13 years after armed poachers killed seven people and 14 captive okapis at the facility in a devastating attack. The endangered okapi, captured near Bunia, now roams freely under ranger protection at Epulu. Despite improved security since the 2012 attack, the area continues to face threats from armed groups, poachers, and illegal gold mining activities that endanger these rare animals and their habitat.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The return of an okapi to Epulu represents a symbolic recovery for conservation efforts in the region. These animals hold tremendous cultural significance for local communities, symbolizing cleanliness, peace, and pride in Ituri’s Mambasa area. Conservation organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Congolese Institute for Conservation of Nature have worked together to make this return possible despite ongoing challenges. The okapi’s presence creates potential opportunities for carefully managed wildlife tourism that could benefit local communities. This conservation achievement demonstrates resilience in the face of severe challenges and renews hope for protecting this unique species.
3️⃣ What’s next: Conservation officials must maintain heightened security for the okapi while monitoring the volatile political situation in the region. If conditions deteriorate, the animal may need to be returned to the forest for its safety. Local authorities need to increase efforts to combat armed groups and illegal activities within the reserve. Continued international support will be crucial to ensure long-term protection for the approximately 5,000 remaining okapis in the wildlife reserve.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – 13 years after deadly attack, an okapi returns to Epulu in DRC reserve
