Are the mountain zebras of Africa one species or two distinct populations?

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Mountain zebras inhabit the rugged, arid slopes of southwestern Africa, yet their classification remains a subject of scientific debate. While some researchers argue that the Cape and Hartmann's populations are separate species, others maintain they are merely subspecies. This distinction carries significant weight for conservation strategies and our understanding of biodiversity.

The mountain zebra, or Equus zebra, is native to the rocky terrains of southwestern Africa. The species is traditionally divided into two groups: the Cape mountain zebra, found in South Africa, and Hartmann's mountain zebra, which resides in Namibia and southwestern Angola. These animals are uniquely adapted to harsh, mountainous environments, often climbing to elevations of 2,000 meters. They possess a distinct dewlap and a striped coat that excludes their bellies, with the Cape variety displaying a white ground color compared to the buff tone of their Hartmann's counterparts.

Taxonomic classification of these animals has shifted over time. In 2004, researchers C. P. Groves and C. H. Bell proposed that the two groups should be reclassified as separate species. However, a 2005 genetic study by Moodley and Harley analyzed 295 specimens and found no evidence to support this split, suggesting they remain subspecies. This view aligns with the 2005 edition of Mammal Species of the World, which categorizes the mountain zebra as a single species. The debate is complicated by the fact that the two populations are currently allopatric, meaning their ranges do not overlap, largely due to historical human activity that fragmented their habitats.

Conservation efforts have been vital for the survival of the mountain zebra. The Cape mountain zebra was once pushed to the brink of extinction, with numbers falling to approximately 100 individuals in the 1930s. Thanks to rigorous protection, that population has rebounded to over 2,700 in the wild. Despite this success, the species remains vulnerable due to ongoing threats like habitat loss and poaching. Today, both subspecies are protected under CITES Appendix II, and international cooperative management programs continue to monitor their status to ensure these resilient equids remain a fixture of the African landscape.

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