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Okapi Conservation Project

The okapi is found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Though this endangered giraffe relative is a culturally respected animal and has been protected in the country since 1933, slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal gold mining, and bushmeat poaching threaten its existence.
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The quiet, beautiful, and enigmatic okapi has only been known to Western scientists since 1901.

The quiet, beautiful and enigmatic okapi has only been known to Western scientists since 1901 due to its secretive and reclusive nature. However, the local people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the only country where the okapi is found, have known about the animal for thousands of years. Though this endangered giraffe relative is a culturally respected animal and has been protected in the country since 1933, slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal gold mining and bushmeat poaching threaten its existence.

For over 30 years, the Okapi Conservation Project has never faltered in its ability to withstand civil wars, rebel attacks and insecurity in an area ripe with political strife and uncertainty. It’s this standing loyalty that OCP has developed a strong trust within the community, allowing their conservation programs to thrive and expand under arduous conditions. Throughout DRC’s turmoil, the Okapi Conservation Project has remained the primary supporter of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and protector of okapi.

Recently, OCP managed to capture the first known footage of a wild okapi feeding in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, just a few short miles from Epulu, the village where OCP is stationed.

 

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"The okapi are the most spectacularly beautiful animal..."

Lucas Meers talks to TV network HITN about how Okapi Conservation Project works with communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to address the threats that are endangering this unusual and spectacularly beautiful animal.
Okapi Conservation Project (John Lukas)
The okapi holds a special reverence within the people’s hearts in the Congo. This is very important in conservation: the local people must have a real love for the animal.
John Lukas

John Lukas, President

John, who is currently Conservation and Science Manager for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and President of the Okapi Conservation Project and the International Rhino Foundation, has over 25 years of international conservation experience. From his work with okapi in the Congo to saving rhinos in Sumatra, John has seen first-hand the importance of integrating the needs of local people into conservation strategies.

A Unique Conservation Approach

Agro-Forestry

Agro-Forestry

Traditional farming in the region involves cutting and burning trees and other vegetation to clear plots for crops. After several plantings, the topsoil is depleted and the farmer moves deeper into the forest and repeats the process. Okapi Conservation Project is helping farmers improve soil and crop yields by planting trees between their crop rows, thus slowing the slash and burn of the forest.

Wildlife Protection

Wildlife Protection

The OCP sustains and supports the work of the Institute in Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) to protect and monitor the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. This support includes providing essential items such as boots, uniforms and satellite phones, as well as assistance with developing an intelligence network within the communities around the Reserve to better understand mining and poaching networks.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

To reduce slash and burn agriculture and consumption of bushmeat, the Okapi Conservation Project works to improve community livelihoods by expanding educational opportunities, modernizing health care and increasing agricultural production. Working with Farmer’s Cooperatives and Women’s Groups, OCP educators strive to advance economic opportunities that reduce pressure on forest and wildlife resources in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Icon_land management

Agro-Forestry

Agro-Forestry

Traditional farming in the region involves cutting and burning trees and other vegetation to clear plots for crops. After several plantings, the topsoil is depleted and the farmer moves deeper...
Icon_anti-poaching

Wildlife Protection

Wildlife Protection

The OCP sustains and supports the work of the Institute in Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) to protect and monitor the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. This support includes providing essential...
Icon_community

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

To reduce slash and burn agriculture and consumption of bushmeat, the Okapi Conservation Project works to improve community livelihoods by expanding educational opportunities, modernizing health care and increasing agricultural production....

Agro-Forestry

Agro-Forestry

Traditional farming in the region involves cutting and burning trees and other vegetation to clear plots for crops. After several plantings, the topsoil is depleted and the farmer moves deeper into the forest and repeats the process. Okapi Conservation Project is helping farmers improve soil and crop yields by planting trees between their crop rows, thus slowing the slash and burn of the forest.

Wildlife Protection

Wildlife Protection

The OCP sustains and supports the work of the Institute in Congo for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) to protect and monitor the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. This support includes providing essential items such as boots, uniforms and satellite phones, as well as assistance with developing an intelligence network within the communities around the Reserve to better understand mining and poaching networks.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

To reduce slash and burn agriculture and consumption of bushmeat, the Okapi Conservation Project works to improve community livelihoods by expanding educational opportunities, modernizing health care and increasing agricultural production. Working with Farmer’s Cooperatives and Women’s Groups, OCP educators strive to advance economic opportunities that reduce pressure on forest and wildlife resources in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Impact by the Numbers

430

ranger patrols conducted in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve by dedicated ICCN rangers supported by OCP during 2019

300 Fill 1 Created with Sketch.

pounds of field equipment sent to ICCN Rangers to improve effectiveness and efficiency

1,800 Fill 1 Created with Sketch.

snares removed and 1,200 illegal mining and logging operations dismantled in 2019

$250 will support sustainable livelihood programs for one family living in or around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve for one year.

$500 will support three ICCN rangers who protect okapi by collecting snares and pursuing poachers and other illegal activities.

$1,000 will provide a month’s worth of fuel and maintenance for all motorbikes of the OCP educators who travel the Reserve educating the local people about protecting the forest and conserving okapi.

John Lukas Shares What it's Like Protecting Okapi

For over 30 years, the Okapi Conservation Project has never faltered in its ability to protect the elusive okapi. John Lukas, Berce N'safuansa, and Jean Paul M'monga Kiete share updates from the field and how they are continuing their work during the pandemic.

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How Radio Broadcasts Save Lives Around Okapi Wildlife Reserve

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Mbuti Pygmies Assist with Monitoring Okapi

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On Saturday, April 13th, we hosted the Spring Wildlife Conservation Expo, bringing together some of the world’s most pioneering conservationists... Learn More
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Some animal species look a little weird, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, there’s something wonderful about the... Learn More
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Okapi Added to IUCN's Endangered Species List

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