Cape Mountain Zebra

Afrikaans name: Kaapse Bergkwagga of Kaapse Bergsebra

Cape Mountain Zebra

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Equus zebra zebra

In the 1930's the Cape Mountain Zebra faced extinction. Since 1937 efforts have been made to build up the population but there are still only a few hundred of these animals in existence.

The Cape Mountain Zebra is smaller than the common Burchell's Zebra. Their stripes are quite different as well. They don't have 'shadow' stripes and the stripes do not extend onto the underparts of the zebra.

As its name suggests this mammal is found in higher areas in the Western and Eastern Cape. The Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock, was established specifically to help conserve them.

Cape Mountain Zebras live in small herds led by a stallion. Surplus males form bachelor herds. Their main food is grass.

Click here to see interesting facts about zebras

Above - Cape Mountain Zebra

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Mother and foal

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Herd of Cape Mountain Zebras

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 128

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 216

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 95

The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 118

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 88

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 49

Southern Africas Threatened Wildlife - Author: John Ledger - Published: 1990 - Page: 30

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 135

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 141

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 417

Questions and Answers - Endangered Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: John Comrie-Greig - Published: 1992 - Page: 30

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 76

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 142

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 63

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 170

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 70

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 170

Animals of the World - Zebras - Author: Daphne Machin Goodall - Published: 1977 - Page: 1

An Introduction to the Larger Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Joanna Dalton - Published: 1987 - Page: 159

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 97

---

Top

List of South African Mammals