Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction -The Hartmann's Mountain Zebra occupies the rugged, broken terrain on the plateau east of the Namib Desert. This species seeks shade and rests during the hottest parts of the day and has been demonstrated to orient its body with respect to the sun. The vocalizations of the Hartmann's zebra are similar to the neigh of a horse.
Each zebra has an individual stripe pattern. After birth, the mare positions herself between the foal and the rest of the herd while it studies her stripes for future recognition.
Herds will mingle with wildebeests, ostriches, and antelope while they graze, and even come to depend on them as additional protection against predators! The herd runs away at the pace of the slowest animal, followed by the herd stallion right at the back. Backwards kicking zebras can kill a lion.
Diet - grass, leaves, bark, roots and stems.
Colouring - Hartmann's zebras have broad black stripes on an off-white body. The stripes extend down the legs to narrow hooves, but do not meet on the belly. The mane is short and bristle-like that stands up.
Breeding - Zebras stay in family groups of a stallion, or male, and several mares, but different families will come together in huge herds of hundreds of zebras.
Size - These animals stand from 118 to 132 centimetres (46-52 in.) high.
