THE MYSTERY OF THE QUAGGA

CLASSIFICATION ADJUSTED

These findings have resulted in a shifting in classification of the zebras that fall within the plains zebra family.(Just as taxonomists today often have to “shift” the classification of dinosaurs, so as to place them correctly within their “family tree.”)

The plains zebras, then and now, are still incorrectly referred to as Burchell’s zebras.The true Burchell’s zebra is also extinct, as of 1910, having gone the way of the quagga, also at the hands of the Boers.Due to the discovery that the quagga was a plains zebra, the taxonomy (classification) of the plains zebra has changed.The quagga was actually the first zebra to be named so its name takes precedence as the species name.Therefore, all plains zebras become Equus quagga.The various sub-species are Equus quagga quagga (the extinct quagga), Equus quagga burchelli (the extinct Burchell’s), Equus quagga antiquorum (Damara), Equus quagga chapmani (Chapman), Equus quagga selousi (Selous), and Equus quagga boehmi (Grant’s).

An unusually striped plains zebra from Zululand of the sub-species Equus quagga antiquorum (Damara zebra).Note the brownish body color on her newborn foal.(Photo by M. Schleyer courtesy of R. E. Rau)

THE QUAGGA PROJECT

These finding have an exciting prospect.It is hoped that the genes that characterize the unique coloration of the quagga may be retrieved through selective breeding.Southern plains zebras that show brownish color and a reduction of stripes on the legs may help bring back the quagga.

The South African Museum started The Quagga Project in March 1987 with the capture of nine selected southern plains zebras from the Etosha Game Reserve.They were separated into breeding groups, to which additional zebras are added as they are found.

Museum-based taxonomy, genetics, animal husbandry, veterinary science and nature conservation have all played a role in The Quagga Project.A stud book is being kept to trace the genetic history of every foal born to this group.This will aid in future pairings of the animals used for breeding.Also planned is the use of artificial insemination and embryo transplants to further the efforts of the project.

As of this date, there are 40 zebras taking part in the project at four different locations near Cape Town, South Africa.Only two of the animals are of the second generation, and do have the brownish tint and much reduced striping.

The Quagga Project does not receive any official financial support.It depends entirely upon donations for the purchase and transport of suitable zebras, fencing, feeding and veterinary expenses.The project needs the help of the general public to further its goal of retrieving the quagga.The breeding project is not merely producing“look-alike” animals, but animals that have a true genetic relationship to the extinct quagga.

The key to the quagga’s re-emergence and subsequent survival lies in a gene pool that is still grazing somewhere on the plains of South Africa.

This is Howey who was selected and captured in Natal in 1993 for The Quagga Project.She shows the desired brownish tint to the body and much reduced striping on the rear quarters and legs.(Photo courtesy of R. E. Rau)

The author would like to thank Reinhold Rau of the South African Museum for information on The Quagga Project.Contributions and inquiries may be addressed to The Quagga Project, South African Museum, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.

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Anita Garza
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