Burchell’s Zebra (Equus burchelli)

Distinctive from the other two species of Zebra of the sub-region, Burchell’s Zebra has shadow stripes between the ordinary stripes, its stripes span the stomach, it does not have a dewlap and its stripes fade on the lower legs. No two Zebra have the same stripe pattern. Stallions are much more sturdy built with a thick neck, compared to the mares. In a fleeing herd, the stallion will always be running far behind the rest. A characteristic ‘kwa-ha-kwa-ha’ alarm call reveals their presence. Don’t mistake this sound with the call of the Yellow Billed hornbill, which is quite similar. A grazer who prefer short grass. Most of the time in close vicinity of Blue Wildebeest, acting as sentinels.

Zebra are unbelievably tough. Ensure adequate penetration with enough arrow momentum. A good shot would be slightly off-line of and behind the front leg, on the top of the crease at the back of the foreleg – the heart is situated higher and further back than ruminants. Exactly on the shoulder is a featured triangular pattern (created by the stripes) which presents an excellent aiming spot. Broadside and quartering away shots are advised. For the best rug mounts, mares are preferred to stallions due to less coat damage of stallions biting and kicking at each other. Very sensitive to hairslip.

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