Newborn Cape Mountain Zebra a conservation milestone at De Hoop

Posted on 31 January 2025
Visitors to De Hoop Nature Reserve are in for a special sight this month as a newborn Cape mountain zebra foal, just three weeks old, joins the reserve’s small but vital herd.

Picture: Supplied

The arrival of this young zebra is a significant milestone in the ongoing conservation of a species once on the brink of extinction.

The timing of the birth is especially fitting, coinciding with International Zebra Day on 31 January, which serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting all zebra species and their habitats. ‘Every new foal is an important addition to the Cape mountain zebra population and a useful example of what ongoing collaborative conservation initiatives can yield,’ said CapeNature CEO Dr. Ashley Naidoo. ‘At CapeNature, we recognise that partnerships, whether with researchers, conservation organisations, or the public, are vital to ensuring this species’ future.’

Last year, an aerial game survey conducted over De Hoop and the neighbouring Overberg Test Range counted over 100 Cape mountain zebras, the majority seen on OTR. While De Hoop has limited capacity to sustain a large zebra population, CapeNature plays a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity by relocating individuals to reserves with more suitable habitats.




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