| Home | About SMJ Safaris | Photoalbum | Links | Contact us |
|
Burchells zebra
Burchell's Zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) is a southern subspecies of the Plains Zebra.It is only possible to confuse Burchell's zebra with the Cape mountain zebra. The stripes on the flanks run on to the belly whereas the belly is white with a single stripe along the middle in mountain zebra. Stripes fade out on lower legs but are distinctly striped all the way down in mountain zebra. Stripes on the rump run diagonally and lengthways but crossways in mountain zebra. On the rump there are usually chestnut or yellowish stripes in the middle of the white stripes whereas the stripes on the mountain zebra's rump is solid. Like human fingerprints and irises, each individual has a unique stripe pattern. The muzzle is black. A short, stiff mane runs down the back of the neck and the tail has a whisk of long black hair on the end. Somewhat bigger than mountain zebra: shoulder height males 1,35 m, weight males 320 kg, females 260 kg.
The alarm call is a high-pitched, repeated two-syllable 'kwa-hi'. The sound is typical of the African bushveld and the colloquial name "quagga" is derived from it. If threatened by predators, herds flee in tight bunches. Top speed is 55 km/h. Herd stallions defend their groups by running in the rear as they flee, kicking and biting attackers, mares defend their foals in the same fashion. Predators are much more successful if the zebra can separated from the herd. The Burchell's habit of keeping close The contrasting black and white stripes may help to confuse predators and allow zebras to see each other more clearly in poor visibility. Fun facts about the burchells zebra Burchell's zebra is named after the British explorer, William John Burchell. William Burchill explored southern Africa for five years (1810-1815) during which time he collected numerous specimens of plants and animals. |
|
