Zebras are the species of African equids and they are separated by their unique black and white stripes. They are medium-sized herbivores with long necks and heads. The legs are slender. The African zebras are classified into three distinct species: Grevy’s zebra, the plains zebra and the mountain zebra.
Are Zebras Endangered
Some of the zebra species are threatened while others are endangered; still others are vulnerable to become endangered.
Is Grevy’s Zebra Endangered
Prominent among endangered zebras include Grevy’s zebra which is classified as endangered species and is given protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITIES). The loss of habitats and poaching has reduced the total population of grevy’s zebra. The largest number of grevy’s zebras is found in the northern Kenya.
There has been a 30% decline in the grevy’s zebra’s population in the last three decades. Some of the most common threats are hides, hunting for food, competition for water, medicine, and loss of habitat.
A survey indicates that currently there are 2,500 grevy’s zebras surviving in the wild. In captivity the estimated population is 600 individuals.
The good news is that the population trend has been stable since 2008.
Is Plains Zebra Endangered
The plains zebras are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The population is relatively stable because it is given protection in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Tsavo and Masai Mara in Kenya, and Etosha National Park in Namibia.
Quagga being one of the subspecies of plains zebra is now extinct. There are 750,000 plains zebras remaining in the wild. In Tanzania the numbers have been reduced by 20%. They are primarily hunted for meat and hide but the northern species are vulnerable to poaching.
Is Mountain Zebra Endangered
The mountain zebras are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The mountain zebras are divided into two subspecies: Hartmann’s mountain zebra and Cape mountain zebra. The Cape mountain zebra is in danger of dying out and IUCN has listed it as endangered species. There are no more than 400 zebras left in the wild. In South Africa, the Mountain Zebra National Park hosts 200 mountain zebras.
The Hartmann’s zebra is found in Namibia and Angola and is classified as threatened by the IUCN. Currently there are more than 7,000 zebras living in the wild while in captivity there are 140 zebras in total.
