The Hartmann’s Mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae) is described in the IUCN Red data book as ENDANGERED, and although Tswalu visitors often spot these animals trotting through the Korannaberg Mountains they are certainly not common.

Distinguishable from the more common Plains (or Burchell’s) zebra the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra prefers a mountainous habitat.  Other distinguishable features include the presence of a dewlap (a flap of skin on the underside of the neck), a rusty-red muzzle, the absence of stripes on the belly and a “grid iron” pattern of stripes above the tail. Another obvious difference is the absence of the light brown “shadow” stripes on their bodies.

A few years ago, Tswalu purchased a section of mountainous land to the south east of the reserve. Over the past three years we have delayed incorporating this area into the “greater” Tswalu and rather given the overgrazed land time to rest and recover from the abuse so typical of livestock farming in these parts. The vegetation has now begun to recover and the eco-system is ready for some of the more natural grazers to return. We have started with the return of Hartmann’s mountain zebra!

Over the past few weeks we have moved nearly 50 zebras into these remote southern areas. This includes both newly purchased mountain zebra and family groups from Tswalu’s existing herds, as a way to ensure genetic diversity. The introduced animals consist almost entirely of complete family herds (mares and their foals and a single stallion) as well as two bachelor herds of stallions.

The herds have settled well and have started exploring their new home. In the vast and remote mountains they will remain undisturbed and well protected and should grow in number,  contributing to their species’ recovery in South Africa.