Mountain zebra  (Equus zebra)

This evocative icon of Africa is an immediately recognisable member of the horse family, characterised by its striking pattern of black and white stripes, which continue through into its short, erect mane (2). The mountain zebra is discernable from other zebra species by the thin and relatively close-together vertical black lines on its neck and torso, which are narrower and more numerous than those of Burchell's zebra (E. burchelli), and by the wide, horizontal bands on its haunches, which are broader than both those of Grevy's zebra (E. grevui) and Burchell's zebra (E. burchelli) (2) (4). Unlike Burchell's zebra, the mountain zebra also lacks ‘shadow stripes', and the stripes do not meet under the belly, which is instead white with a central black stripe (2). The most diagnostic feature of this species, however, is the square flap of skin, or dewlap, which exists on this zebra's throat, most developed in males (5). Aptly named, the mountain zebra is a good climber on steep, rugged terrain and has evolved exceptionally hard and pointed hooves compared to other equines (2) (4) (6).

The cape mountain zebra (E. z. zebra) is the smallest living zebra, and differs from Hartmann's mountain zebra (E. z. hartmannae) not only by its smaller size, but also by its stockier frame, longer ears and larger dewlap (5).

Cape mountain zebras are endemic to South Africa (2), while Hartmann's mountain zebras have a fragmented distribution across Namibia, Angola and South Africa (7).

Found on mountainous slopes and plateaus. Cape mountain zebras occur up to 2,000 m above sea level, but move to lower elevations in the winter. Hartmann's mountain zebras occupy a more arid region on the edge of the Namib Desert, where surface water is patchy and herds must wander between the mountains and sand flats in order to find patches of grass (2).

This gregarious species lives in breeding herds, consisting of one adult male, one to five adult females and their young (2). All members occupy a position within a social hierarchy (2), headed by the dominant adult stallion, which is responsible for defending the herd (4). Breeding herds inhabit overlapping home ranges, with no evidence of territoriality, and sometimes herds will even join to form larger temporary populations of up to around 30 individuals (2) (4). Surplus males live in bachelor groups, from which individuals periodically attempt to establish a new breeding herd or take over an existing one by displacing the dominant stallion (2). Nevertheless, breeding herds often remain stable over many years (up to 20 recorded), with mares usually remaining in a herd for life. New stallions may need to go through courtship of up to three years before the mares in a herd will accept their new stud (2) (6).

This polygynous species breeds throughout the year, although regional birth peaks exist (2) (4). Females produce a single foal every one to three years, after a gestation of approximately one year. While most Cape mountain zebra young leave their maternal herds of their own volition between 13 and 37 months of age, or about three months after the birth of a sibling, Hartmann's mountain zebra mares try to expel their 14 to 16 month old foals from the herd before the birth of a sibling. Young males may wander alone for a while before eventually joining a bachelor group, while females either join another breeding herd or are joined by a bachelor male to form a new breeding herd (2).

Both subspecies of mountain zebra are predominately diurnal, and are most active in the early morning and late afternoon to sunset (2) (4). The herbivorous diet primarily consists of grass but also includes leaves and bark, and individuals of all ages also visit mineral licks, particularly during the summer (2) (4). Where they are hunted, herds drink at waterholes at night; where they are undisturbed, they drink at any time (5).

The primary threats to the mountain zebra include competition with domestic livestock, hunting and persecution, and habitat loss due to conversion to agriculture (2).

In the 1950s, Hermann's mountain zebras numbered between 50,000 and 75,000 and were regarded as vermin by an expanding livestock industry, especially in drought years when zebras competed with cattle for grazing land and water, and stampeding zebras occasionally tore down fences. Thus, by 1960 only 10,000 were left, and by 1973, just 7,000 remained (5). Unfortunately, this subspecies continues to live in direct conflict with livestock farmers, with available grazing ground becoming particularly scarce in many parts of Namibia where very little rainfall has occurred for several years. As a result, more and more Hartmann's mountain zebras are being culled, both legally and illegally. Furthermore, due to the region's poor economy and scarce resources, poaching for food has increased rapidly over the last few years, since the zebra offers a relatively large amount of meat. The situation in Angola has been exacerbated by war, in which many soldiers and civilians have been in dire need of meat (7).

The Cape mountain zebra formerly inhabited all the mountain ranges of the southern Cape Province of South Africa, but by 1922, only 400 were believed to survive (5). Reaching a devastating all-time low of just 91 individuals in 1950, this subspecies is considered the largest mammal in South Africa to have come so close to extinction, a fate that sadly awaited the quagga (E. quagga). Although probably never particularly numerous, numbers declined as herds had to compete against sheep and cattle for grazing, and as habitat was increasingly converted into farmland. Hunting was also uncontrolled and this zebra was a popular victim, its hide (skin) allegedly much sought after for the manufacturing of ‘grain bags'. Thankfully, the cape mountain zebra's population eventually climbed back up to approximately 1,200 individuals in 1998 (6).

The non-profit organisation Etusis Foundation has been established in Namibia for the conservation of Hartmann's Mountain Zebra. The foundation conducts research on the subspecies, and focuses on educating farmers and raising public and government awareness about the plight this subspecies faces, as well as rearing deserted foals, which may one day be rehabilitated and reintroduced back into the wild (7).

Despite its bleak outlook over the last century, concerted conservation efforts mean that Cape mountain zebra numbers are now increasing. The Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 to help save this subspecies, and there are currently about a further 12 formally protected populations, including those in Cape Point Nature Reserve, Gamka Mountain Reserve, Karoo National Park, Karoo Nature Reserve, Commando Drift Nature Reserve, Kamanassie Nature Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve and Tsolwana Game Ranch (2) (5) (6). Conservation efforts by the private sector have also had an important impact, such as the recent purchase by Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve of another twenty Cape mountain zebras from a private seller, making a total of over 30 animals held at the reserve, probably the largest privately owned herd of Cape mountain zebra in the world (6). Although this subspecies still occupies a precarious existence, the dramatic increase in its population over the last 50 years is considered a great conservation success story, and a testament to the ongoing, collaborative efforts of many individuals and parties committed to saving this African icon (6).

For more information on the mountain zebra see:

- Animal Diversity Web:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Equus_zebra.html

- The Ultimate Ungulate Page:
http://www.ultimateungulate.com/Perissodactyla/Equus_zebra.html

For more information on the Cape mountain zebra see:

- Man in Nature: Human Development in Harmony with Wildlife Conservation:
http://www.maninnature.com/Equines/Zebras/Zebra1a.html

For more information on Hartmann's mountain zebra and the Etusis Foundation see:

- Etusis Foundation: for the protection of the Hartmann's mountain zebra:
http://www.natron.net/etusis-foundation/main.html

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk