Conservationists Move to Save Zebra Species

The East African Standard (Nairobi)

December 30, 2005 - Amos Kareithi in
Nairobi

International conservationists have joined the race to save an endangered zebra species found only in Kenya.

In conjunction with two American zoos, San Diego and St Louis, the conservationists have contributed close to Sh20 million.

And they are doing it in the most natural way and their efforts have been rewarded. Northern Rangeland Trust, which has been carrying out wildlife conservation projects in five districts, has trained local communities on the preservation of the gravy zebra.

"We have recruited elderly people to monitor the zebras and we are compiling every useful data," Julius Wachira Munyugi, Northern Range Land's general manager said.

He said the monitors are paid to observe the habits of the gravy zebra while eating, drinking water, sleeping and even breeding to establish how best to protect it from extinction.

The gravy zebra is more graceful, timid and more beautiful than the ordinary species. Munyugi said in Wamba, the zebras have started coexisting with livestock.

Another American organisation, Earth Wash, is conducting research in Marsabit and Samburu districts to establish what makes conditions in certain areas ideal for the species.

The zebra is mostly found in Samburu, Laikipia and Marsabit districts. Laikipia has the largest population of zebras in the world with 700 animals scattered in parts of the district while Isiolo has 400 animals. The survival of the species has been threatened by the break out of anthrax, which has already claimed 12.

Samburu District Veterinary Officer, Dr Daniel Thuo, said the veterinary department, Northern Rangeland Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service have mounted a major vaccination campaign.

All the carcasses of the dead animals have been rounded up and burnt to stop further spread, he said.

I think they mean the Grevy's Zebra. Cites I protected species and found only in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia.



Some background: AWF and LEWA and Zebra

Regards,

Terry

Their are probably 2000 of the damn things in the states.

They look more like a striped donkey than the others do.

I like the Grants the best and then the Mountain, especially if you can find one without a dewlap

Earth Wash? Gravy Zebra? Excuse me?