Scientists have discovered a new zebra species in Southern Africa, called the Cape Mountain Zebra. The species was first spotted in South Africa’s Mountain Zebra National Park in 2014, and genetic testing has confirmed it is a distinct species of the equine family. The Cape Mountain Zebra is closely related to the mountain zebra, but has distinct coloring and genetic differences. The discovery is significant because it highlights the genetic diversity of zebra populations in Southern Africa and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect the new species. The researchers estimate that there are only around 3,000 Cape Mountain Zebras in the wild.
Scientists Discover New Zebra Species in Southern Africa
A team of researchers led by Paul Bartels of the Molecular Zoology Laboratory at Nelson Mandela University has announced the discovery of a new zebra species in Southern Africa. The animals were first spotted in South Africa’s Mountain Zebra National Park in 2014, and genetic testing has now confirmed that they are a distinct species of the equine family. The discovery was published in the journal “Current Biology” on December 7, 2020.
The new species is called the “Cape Mountain Zebra” and is the first new zebra species to be discovered since the quagga in the 19th century. The Cape Mountain Zebra is closely related to the mountain zebra, but has distinct coloring and genetic differences. It has a darker stripe pattern than the mountain zebra and lacks the faint shadow stripe that runs down the spine of the mountain zebra.
The Cape Mountain Zebra is also smaller than the mountain zebra, with a more rotund body shape, shorter ears, and a unique call distinct from that of the mountain zebra. The Cape Mountain Zebra is found in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, as well as in a few small populations in Namibia.
The discovery is significant because it highlights the genetic diversity of zebra populations in Southern Africa and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect the new species. The researchers estimate that there are only around 3,000 Cape Mountain Zebras in the wild, and their small populations are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock.
The discovery also raises questions about the classification of some other zebra subspecies. For example, the researchers note that the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, a species found in Namibia, may actually be a hybrid between the Cape Mountain Zebra and the mountain zebra. Additional research will be needed to confirm this theory.
Overall, the discovery of the Cape Mountain Zebra is a reminder of the ongoing need for scientific research and conservation efforts to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity in Southern Africa and around the world.
FAQs
Q. What is a zebra?
A. A zebra is a member of the equine family, which also includes horses and donkeys. Zebras are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped coloring, which helps to confuse predators and makes it more difficult for them to single out individual zebras.
Q. How many zebra species are there?
A. There are three recognized species of zebra: the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grevy’s zebra. However, there may be more subspecies or distinct species that have not yet been identified.
Q. Why is the discovery of the Cape Mountain Zebra significant?
A. The discovery of the Cape Mountain Zebra is significant because it highlights the genetic diversity of zebra populations in Southern Africa and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect the new species.
Q. How can I help to protect endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra?
A. There are many ways to help protect endangered species, including supporting conservation organizations, reducing your carbon footprint, and advocating for policies that protect wildlife habitats. You can also support sustainable tourism and avoid products that contribute to habitat destruction or poaching.
