Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Nov. 28, 2025—The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) commends today’s decision by Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to list the endangered okapi (Okapia johnstoni) on Appendix I.

This highest level of international protection will prohibit all international commercial trade in okapi or their parts, as well as sub-products. The species is already fully protected as an endemic species under national law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the only country where it is found.

“The adoption of this Appendix I listing is a critical step for protecting one of the world’s most distinctive and imperiled mammals,” said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President for International Policy. “The okapi’s extremely limited, and shrinking range, declining population, and escalating threats from commercial hunting, habitat loss, and illegal trade make it exceptionally vulnerable. We commend the leadership of the DRC Government for advancing this proposal and thank all Parties that supported it. Today’s decision will help ensure that okapis are safeguarded for generations to come.”

Dr. Jean Paul Kibambe, WCS DRC Country Director, said:
“This decision sends a powerful message of support to the people and protected area authorities of the DRC who have worked for decades to safeguard the okapi. Strengthening international protections will help reinforce national efforts to stop trafficking, secure the forests that sustain okapi and local communities, and ensure that this iconic species continues to thrive in its only homeland.”

Said Yves Milan Ngangay, General Director of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation: “For the people of the Ituri Forest, the okapi is more than a national symbol—it is part of their cultural identity. This Appendix I listing will help shield the species from international trafficking networks and supports the tireless work of Congolese conservationists and local communities. Strict urgent measures have been taken to strengthen management effectiveness as well as transnational joint interventions. Congratulations for the new dynamic in place at CITES Coordinating Department of ICCN.”

The okapi—the giraffe’s only living relative—inhabits the forests of northeastern DRC. Its Endangered status on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, combined with increasing pressures from poaching and habitat degradation, underscores the urgency of stronger international protections. Appendix I listing will help close enforcement gaps, strengthen monitoring of cross-border trade, and support national conservation actions.

Data from ICCN and partners confirm that okapi persist primarily in key strongholds, including the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) and Lomami National Park. WCS, and other partners like Wildlife Conservation Global (WCG), have for more than 30 years with ICCN to conserve okapi. ICCN and WCS co-manage the 13,726-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage-designated OWR, home to what is believed to be the largest okapi population on Earth, alongside Indigenous Mbuti and Efe communities.

Okapi are also found in Maiko National Park, several other protected areas and some community forests located within its distribution range in DRC.

###