© WWF-Canon / Peter J. Stephenson Okapi or Forest giraffe (Okapia johnstoni) Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Ituri Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo. For media inquiries, contact: Lee Poston lee.poston@wwfus.org 202-778-9536

Washington -- After nearly 50 years, the okapi -- the closest known relative to the giraffe -- has been rediscovered in Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), World Wildlife Fund announced today. This is the first sign of okapi presence in Virunga National Park since August 1959 according to official records. The discovery happened during a recent survey led by WWF and its Congolese governmental partner ICCN (the Congo Institute for Nature Conservation).

Still rare and threatened, the okapi only lives in the tall primary forests of eastern DRC, mainly in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, centered around the village of Epulu. The species was originally discovered further east in the forests along the Semliki valley, now in the Virunga National Park - created in 1925, today it is a World Heritage site protected by both national and international laws.

The survey team also included staff from Gillman International Conservation as well as trackers from the local Bambabuti and Twa communities, who know how to spot signs of okapi. The team was studying the status of the forests and threatened species such as elephants and chimpanzees when they recorded 17 okapi tracks including prints in the mud and evidence of browsing and dung. They also noted the presence of the bongo, a rare large forest antelope which also had not been recorded in the area for 50 years.

The lowland sector of Virunga National Park has been the hideout for different rebel groups over the past 20 years. This has prevented ICCN from patrolling the areas. The difficult terrain has also prevented logging and farming, which, according to WWF, explains why the rare species has survived unnoticed.

"The rediscovery of okapis in Virunga National Park after almost half a century is a positive sign. As the country is returning to peace, it shows that the protected areas in this troubled region are now havens for rare wildlife once more," said Dr. Richard Carroll, Director of WWF's Congo Program. "Key species have survived a critical period but a lot remains to be done to preserve them."

WWF and ICCN have been working together with local communities in the Virunga National Park since 1987 despite recurrent unrest in the area. Conservation activities include the participatory demarcation of the parks boundaries, peaceful relocation of illegal settlers, community agroforestry projects and environmental education.

However, WWF is still very concerned by massive human activity within the protected area and calls by local political leaders inviting farmers to farm inside the national park.

"As the okapi is the national symbol of ICCN, to see it back in Virunga is very encouraging for our rangers who went through difficult times during the past few years and is a reward to their legendary commitment," said Norbert Mushenzi, the ICCN senior warden in charge of the area where the rediscovery took place. "But ICCN needs continued support from its partners and local people to stop illegal activity in the park and conserve the forest and wildlife for future generations."

WWF urges the DRC government to take appropriate measures to ensure the long-term protection and conservation of the Virunga National Park. Otherwise, the okapi's return to the area may be short-lived.