Stripes of the Desert

The Namib Desert is believed to be one of the oldest and largest deserts in the world, dating back to more than 55 million years. The harsh arid and semi-arid conditions make it a difficult terrain largely inaccessible. However, the Namib Desert is home to a number of wildlife and vegetation unique to the region including the the Mountain Zebra that roams the surroundings of the rugged Naukluft Mountains..

During the summers, the mountain zebra can be seen on the slopes and plateaus of the mountain terrains, but as winter sets in they migrate to the lower areas of the region. There are two sub-species: The Cape Mountain Zebra and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Some researchers argue that both are distinct from the Zebra and therefore should be considered as separate species. However, when one sees the mountain zebra from afar it looks like any zebra with every individual distinct in appearance with noticeable black and white stripes. But on closer observation the subtle differences are evident.

The stripes of the mountain zebra can also be brown and white and does not cover the belly area which remains creamy white. Further, the stripes of the cape mountain zebra are thicker with narrower white interspaces compared to the hartmann’s mountain zebra. As for the height, a typical adult mountain zebra can reach up to 6-8.5 ft weighing between 240-372 kgs and having a lifespan of 25-45 years.  In addition, the mountain zebra has Dewlap, the loose fold of skin below the throat area distinguishing it from the Zebra.

The mountain zebras like the plain zebra do not gather together into herds per se but small family groups of a single stallion (adult male) that is the dominant member, one or several mares (adult females) and young offspring. However, there have been instances of less than 30 mountain zebras coming together to form a temporary herd and bachelor male adults forming separate groups. By the time a mare reaches 3 to 6 years, she would have given birth to her first foal after which till she reaches 24 she would give birth to one foal every 1 to 3 years.

Once found across the mountainous terrains along the west coast of Southern Africa and South Africa, the mountain zebra is now considered vulnerable as it is sought by hunters and their habitats destroyed by human needs. In the 1930’s, there were about 100 mountain zebras reported. But the population has since rise to an estimated 2700 largely due to conservation and protection within National Parks. Also, the collaborative management of zoo population around the world and the European Zoo’s Endangered Species Programme are aiding in the efforts to save this endangered species.

As the Mountain Zebra roams the rocky slopes and plateaus of its remaining mountainous habitat one is reminded of the words written by “Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Indians: “What is a man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die form great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man.”

Image ©: Nico Smit