Equus zebra zebra
The Cape Mountain Zebra is a smaller, and much rarer, cousin of the better known plains zebra. It occurs naturally only in the southern provinces of South Africa and is considered vulnerable, though the population is increasing in size thanks to dedicated conservation work at especially the Mountain Zebra and Karoo National Parks, both of which offers an excellent chance of seeing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
The Star Attraction at Mountain Zebra National Park
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Mountain Zebras occur in small family groups of up to 15 animals, led by a dominant stallion, while young stallions roam around in bachelor groups after being ejected from the groups they were born in. Adults of both sexes are extremely protective of their young.
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebras on a hillside in the Bontebok National Park
Two Mountain Zebra stallions chasing a mare
Cape Mountain Zebra and Eland congregating at a waterhole
Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebras
Mountain Zebras
Mountain Zebras inhabit, as their name suggests, dry, rocky, mountainous areas and the surrounding plains and valleys (the latter being important as hiding places against cold weather). They are almost exclusively grazing animals and can stay without water for up to three days, though they prefer to drink daily if surface water is available.
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra showing how they got their name
Mountain Zebras drinking
Mountain Zebras
Mountain Zebra crossing in Karoo National Park
Mountain Zebra crossing in Karoo National Park (photo by Joubert)
Mountain Zebra
Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebra
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebras
Cape Mountain Zebra in the Opstal Camp
Cape Mountain Zebra in the Opstal Camp
Cape Mountain Zebra
Mares give birth to a single foal at any time of the year. With an adult weight of around 250kg and shoulder height of 1.25m, the Cape Mountain Zebra is slightly smaller than the plains zebra.
Cape Mountain Zebra foals
Cape Mountain Zebra foal
Cape Mountain Zebra foal
Cape Mountain Zebras
Mountain Zebra foal
Pingback: Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra | de Wets Wild
Such a cute foal!
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All ears!
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Reblogged this on de Wets Wild and commented:
Following our post on our December 2017 visit to Mountain Zebra National Park published yesterday, it is fitting to take a closer look at the species for which the Park was proclaimed – the Cape Mountain Zebra. Be sure to click through to the original post for information and photos of this very special animal.
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Thank you sharing this information. Zebra has been a major totem animal for me for over a decade now and I always enjoy learning more about these beautiful animals! All good things to you.
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Glad to hear one of our new friends found something of value while looking around our older posts. Thanks Lisa!
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What lovely creatures. They are beautifully photographed, too. đŸ™‚
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Thanks very much for the compliment Imelda! I must add that I think its almost impossible not to take beautiful photographs of such beautiful animals đŸ˜‰
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Very pretty!
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Black-and-white is always a dashing combination, isn’t it Milka ;-)!
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Black and white stripes, that is!
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Beautiful pictures of one of my favorite animals-the light is beautiful-
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Thanks for dropping by Meg, we appreciate it!
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I particularly like that first shot.
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Nice to hear from you again PJB, thank you!
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đŸ™‚
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A Zebra is my screen saver ! These are just remarkable and such a bold posture!
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Especially the stallions have real attitude and presence Kathryn, and they’re such photogenic animals. Thanks for visiting with us again!
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Love it!
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Great collection of images from the de Wets!
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You’re way too kind, thanks Derek!
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Imagine if we have those strips on humans, what would we call them?
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Jailbirds! Thanks for stopping by again Seeker!
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Geez, you know everything!
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Just being tongue-in-cheek Seeker đŸ˜‰
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tee hee….
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Mooi donkies! đŸ˜‰
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Is nogal ne!
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Ek sal ‘n ou slurpie daarop skink… later!! đŸ˜‰
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Beautiful pics. Such beautiful animals. đŸ™‚
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They really are, and to think they were almost wiped out!
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Very beautiful post on these cousines!
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Thank you Nokotahorse, and welcome here at de Wets Wild!
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Amazing photos of these Cape Mountain Zebra!
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Thank you Amy!
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