Mammals
Mountain Zebra
Equus zebra · also called Cape mountain zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra
On a rocky slope in the highlands of southern Africa, a mountain zebra with a small dewlap under its chin picks its way along a ledge, its grid-iron rump striped like a gate.
Overview
The mountain zebra, Equus zebra, is a Vulnerable zebra of the mountains and rocky hills of South Africa, Namibia, and southwestern Angola. Its dewlap, grid-iron rump, and recovery from near-extinction in the Cape make it one of the most distinctive and best-protected zebras.
A zebra of steep country
Unlike the plains zebra of open savanna, the mountain zebra thrives on steep, rocky ground, where its narrow hooves give it a sure footing.
Status
Vulnerable, with an increasing population.
Mountain Zebra: common questions
How can you tell a mountain zebra from a plains zebra?
The mountain zebra has a dewlap under its chin and a grid-iron pattern of stripes on its rump, while the plains zebra lacks both.
Where does the mountain zebra live?
It lives in mountains, rocky hills, and dry grassland in South Africa, Namibia, and southwestern Angola.
Was the mountain zebra ever close to extinction?
Yes, the Cape mountain zebra fell to a few dozen animals in the 1930s before protection helped it recover.
What are the two forms of mountain zebra?
They are the Cape mountain zebra of South Africa and Hartmann's mountain zebra of Namibia and Angola.