Chapman’s zebra (Equus quagga chapmani) is a distinctive subspecies of the plains zebra, native to the African continent. Named after explorer James Chapman, this herbivorous mammal is recognized for its unique appearance. It is a highly social animal, often found in various open landscapes across its range.
Distinctive Features
Chapman’s zebras have a unique stripe pattern that distinguishes them from other zebra subspecies. They exhibit faint brownish “shadow stripes” situated between the more prominent black stripes on their coats. Unlike some other zebras, their leg stripes extend beyond the knees, though the lower half of the pastern is not entirely black. Each individual zebra has a unique stripe pattern, similar to human fingerprints.
They are a medium-sized subspecies, with adults weighing up to 800 pounds and standing up to 52 inches tall at the withers. They can reach lengths of up to 97 inches. Foals are born with brown stripes, and occasionally, some adults retain these brown stripes instead of developing full black coloration.
Natural Habitat and Lifestyle
Chapman’s zebras are native to the savannas and similar habitats of Southern Africa, with their geographical distribution extending from northeast South Africa northward to Zimbabwe, westward into Botswana, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, and southern Angola. They prefer open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands, where they spend approximately 50% of their day feeding.
Their diet primarily consists of low-quality grasses, though they will occasionally supplement this with wild berries and other plants to increase protein intake. They live in highly social herds that can number up to 10,000 or more individuals. During the wet season, large herds undertake migrations to find new food and water sources. They also exhibit a cyclical daily movement, preferring grasslands during the day and woodlands at night to avoid predators like lions.
Conservation and Threats
While not currently classified as a threatened species by the IUCN, the Chapman’s zebra is considered Near Threatened by some organizations, and its population numbers are declining. The subspecies is already extinct in Lesotho, and its total population size is currently unknown.
Primary threats to Chapman’s zebras include habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as farming and ranching, which disrupt their migratory patterns and limit access to food sources. Poaching for meat and hides, along with hunting and trapping, also contribute to population declines. Climate change, leading to severe droughts, further exacerbates these challenges.