Scientific name: Equus grevyi

Swahili name [1]: Kangaja

IUCN status: Endangered

 

Threats and impacts [2]:

The major threats to Grevy's Zebra include habitat loss and degradation from overgrazing, the reduction of available water sources, competition for resources (water and grass), hunting and disease. Non-native plants are displacing grasses the zebras rely on for food. Poaching for food is a constant threat, while commercial trading for skins has stopped in Kenya.  

 

Conservation[3]:

The Grevy’s Zebra Trust is clearing and re-planting native grasses to encourage food sources for Grevy’s zebra and reaching out to local communities to manage livestock grazing in zebra habitat. They also partner with local Samburu warriors to provide protection from poaching and monitoring of Grevy’s zebras, generating income for locals and conservation data for scientists. Community outreach is done by their Ambassador team conducting educational sessions for surrounding communities. Supplemental feeding and watering occurs during periods of drought. 

The implementation of Kenya’s Recovery & Action Plan for Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) in Kenya (2017-2026) is being undertaken by the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee with coordination led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

 

Interesting information: 

Grevy’s is the largest living zebra species (Mpalalive).

 

 

[1] http://www.kenyalogy.com/eng/fauna/zebr.html

[2] Rubenstein, D., Low Mackey, B., Davidson, ZD, Kebede, F. & King, S.R.B. 2016. Equus grevyi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016:e.T7950A89624491. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T7950A89624491.en. Downloaded on 9 August 2019.

[3]​ http://www.grevyszebratrust.org/index.html

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Photo Credit: Linus Hung