While zebra populations are generally declining across Africa, recent conservation efforts offer hope, particularly for the Cape mountain zebra subspecies, whose numbers are on the rise. Meanwhile, the Grévy’s zebra population remains stable. These observations are highlighted in a press statement issued by Wild Africa — a Cape Town-based non-governmental organisation.
Endemic to Africa, the plains zebra is found across much of eastern and southern Africa. The mountain zebra, however, is restricted to the dry upland plains of Namibia and South Africa, while the rarest, the Grévy's zebra, is found only in the sparsely wooded areas of Kenya and Ethiopia. Each of these species has multiple subspecies.
The plains zebra is the most numerous, with an estimated population of up to 250,000 individuals, though it has seen a 25 per cent decline since 1992 and is now listed as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species. One of its six subspecies, the quagga, has already become extinct.
The Grévy’s zebra, which has officially been declared extinct in Somalia and Sudan, is the rarest, with fewer than 3,100 individuals remaining in Kenya and Ethiopia. However, this “Endangered” species has recently been declared stable. Another conservation success is the Cape mountain zebra, whose population has risen after near extinction. Once with fewer than 80 wild individuals, dedicated conservation efforts have helped the Cape mountain zebra grow to an estimated 3,247 mature individuals.
“We commend the outstanding efforts led by SANParks for their work in protecting the Cape mountain zebra from extinction. This success story proves that through collaboration, we can create meaningful change and offer renewed hope for the future of all zebra species across Africa,” Peter Knights, Wild Africa’s chief executive was quoted in the press statement.
Meanwhile, Jamie Gaymer, Conservation Manager at Ol Jogi, explained: “While the global population of the Grévy’s zebra is stable, the situation remains precarious with fewer than 3,100 individuals. This represents an 80 per cent decline since the 1970s. We are fortunate at Ol Jogi Conservancy in Kenya to host one of the largest remaining populations of Grévy’s, with between 300 and 500 individuals on the conservancy at any time. Ol Jogi is committed to the conservation and recovery of this species, working with multiple partners to ensure a sustainable future for Grévy’s zebra.”
The decline in zebra populations is due to a variety of factors, including:
Habitat loss caused by urbanisation and agricultural expansion.
Devastating droughts exacerbated by climate change.
Hunting and poaching for meat and hides.
Human-wildlife conflict resulting from increased human activities.
Zebras are keystone species, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. They graze on taller, tougher vegetation, which clears the way for smaller animals to access shorter, more nutritious grasses. This grazing also prevents the overgrowth of certain plant species, helping to promote biodiversity. Additionally, zebras contribute to seed dispersal through their dung, enriching the vegetation in their habitats. Beyond their impact on plant life, zebras are an essential part of the food chain, serving as prey for predators.