The Democratic Republic of the Congo contains vast tracts of rainforest, swamps and savanna that support species found nowhere else on Earth. Its mix of habitats and long, complex geography makes the country a hotspot for endemism and specialists.
There are 3 Animals Only Found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ranging from Bonobo to Okapi. For each species, entries are organized as Scientific name, Endemic range (DRC region), IUCN status — you’ll find below.
Where in the DRC are these endemic species most likely to be observed?
Most endemic species have specific habitat pockets: Bonobos are tied to central and northwestern lowland forests, while Okapis occur in the eastern Ituri and adjacent rainforests; the third species will have its own limited DRC range noted in the Endemic range (DRC region) column below.
How should I interpret the IUCN status listed for each animal?
The IUCN status indicates global conservation risk (e.g., Vulnerable, Endangered); use it to gauge urgency, but combine that with range and habitat details here to understand local threats and conservation priorities.
Animals Only Found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| Common name | Scientific name | Endemic range (DRC region) | IUCN status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonobo | Pan paniscus | Central DRC lowland forests south of the Congo River (Tshuapa, Equateur, Mai-Ndombe, Sankuru, Maniema) | Endangered |
| Okapi | Okapia johnstoni | Northeast DRC (Ituri Forest, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Haut-Uele, Tshopo) | Endangered |
| Congo peafowl | Afropavo congensis | Central-west lowland forests of DRC (Tshuapa, Equateur, Mai-Ndombe) | Vulnerable |
Images and Descriptions
Bonobo
Bonobo is a peaceful, intelligent great ape, about 40–60 kg and 1–1.2 m tall, living in central DRC lowland forests south of the Congo River (Tshuapa, Equateur, Mai-Ndombe, Sankuru, Maniema). Endangered from hunting, fragmentation, and deforestation.
Okapi
Okapi is a forest giraffid about 1.5–2 m shoulder height and 200–300 kg, with zebra-like hind stripes. Found in northeast DRC (Ituri Forest, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Haut-Uele, Tshopo). Endangered due to habitat loss and illegal mining.
Congo peafowl
Congo peafowl is a rare, medium-sized forest pheasant about 60–90 cm long, with iridescent plumage and crested males. Found only in central-west DRC lowland forests (Tshuapa, Equateur, Mai-Ndombe). Vulnerable from habitat loss and hunting pressure.
