African mammal with striped legs NYT

The crossword clue "African mammal with striped legs" with the answer "OKAPI" refers to a rare and unique species of mammal native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. The okapi, which is related to the giraffe, is known for its striking appearance, with dark brown fur on most of its body and distinctive white horizontal stripes on its legs, reminiscent of those seen on zebras.

These stripes help the okapi blend into the dense forest environment, serving as camouflage. Despite the zebra-like markings, the okapi is not a zebra but is more closely related to giraffes, with both species sharing similar features such as long tongues and a similar skeletal structure. The okapi was unknown to the western world until the early 20th century, making it a fascinating example of a lesser-known African mammal.

The crossword clue "African mammal with striped legs" with the answer "ZEBRA" refers to a well-known species of wild horse native to Africa, easily recognized by its distinctive black and white striped coat. Zebras are herbivores and are closely related to horses and donkeys. The stripes on a zebra's body, including its legs, are unique to each individual, much like human fingerprints, and serve various functions such as camouflage, social bonding, and possibly deterring biting insects.

Zebras are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, where they live in a range of habitats including grasslands, savannas, and mountain ranges. There are several species of zebras, such as the plains zebra, Grevy's zebra, and the mountain zebra, each with slightly different stripe patterns and distribution. The zebra's striking appearance and iconic striped legs make it one of Africa's most recognizable mammals.

The crossword clue "African mammal with striped legs" with the answer "CIVET" refers to a type of small to medium-sized carnivorous mammal found in Africa and Asia. Civets belong to the family Viverridae and are known for their sleek bodies, long tails, and distinctive markings, which often include stripes on their legs and other parts of the body. The African civet, in particular, has a coat that may feature dark stripes running down its legs, along with other characteristic patterns like spots or blotches.

These animals are mostly nocturnal and arboreal, preferring forested areas and dense vegetation. Civets are known for their strong, musky scent, which is produced by glands near the anus and has historically been used in perfumes. Though not closely related to felines, civets share some feline-like characteristics, such as their agility and stealthy movements. The striped legs of the civet are a notable feature that makes them stand out in the animal kingdom, fitting the description provided in the crossword clue.

The crossword clue "African mammal with striped legs" with the answer "BUSHBABY" refers to a small, nocturnal primate native to sub-Saharan Africa. Bushbabies, also known as galagos, are known for their large, expressive eyes and exceptional jumping ability, which allows them to leap from tree to tree in their forest habitats. While bushbabies don't always have distinct striped legs, some species do exhibit patterns or lighter fur on their legs that can appear striped, especially when viewed under certain lighting.

They are typically small, with long tails and strong hind legs designed for their leaping lifestyle. Bushbabies are mainly insectivores but will also eat fruit, small vertebrates, and tree sap. Their loud, high-pitched calls, often likened to a baby crying, are another distinctive feature. Their unique appearance and behaviors, combined with their natural habitat in African forests, make them an interesting subject for the crossword clue in question.