Being a field biologist is a lot like being a detective. Field biologists look for clues to help them learn about animals. Use the Field Guide to get to know the animals by clicking their pictures. Once you are familiar with the animals, click Animal Identification Challenge to test your rainforest detective skills.

Okapi

Okapia johnstoni

Size: 460-550 lbs.

Diet: Leaves

Habitat: Dense, low rainforest

Range: Northeast Congo

Life span: 25 years

Social organization: Solitary, except for adult females with their young

Threats to survival: Hunting, habitat destruction

Fun facts: The okapi's stripes remind many people of a zebra, but it's actually related to the giraffe. The stripes help make the okapi hard to see in the forest, which may be one reason that scientists from other parts of the world did not know about okapis until 1901. Like giraffes, the okapi has a long (18-inch!), muscular tongue to reach leaves high in the trees.