Hartmann’s mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae) is the most frequently seen large mammal in Kaokoland and one of the most immediately distinctive. Larger and more robustly built than the plains zebra of Etosha, with broader stripes and a characteristic dewlap (a fold of skin on the throat), the Hartmann’s mountain zebra is specifically adapted to the rocky, mountainous terrain of north-western Namibia and the adjacent Angolan highlands.
How They Differ from Plains Zebra
| Feature | Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra | Plains Zebra |
|---|---|---|
| Body size | Larger; up to 360kg | Smaller; up to 320kg |
| Stripes | Broader; extending to belly | Narrower; shadow stripes on hindquarters |
| Dewlap | Present; a fold of skin at the throat | Absent |
| Habitat | Rocky mountains and escarpments | Open savannah and grassland |
| Social structure | Small family groups | Large herds possible |
| Range | North-western Namibia and adjacent Angola | Throughout sub-Saharan Africa |
In Kaokoland
Hartmann’s mountain zebra are found throughout Kaokoland’s rocky terrain: on the escarpment approaches, in the valleys between mountain ranges, and on the plateau terrain around Orupembe and the Marienfluss approaches. Groups of 5 to 20 are the typical sighting; larger aggregations occur near reliable water sources in the dry season.
They are not fast to alarm and can be approached relatively closely in a vehicle before moving off. The combination of the distinctive broad-striped coat and the mountain landscape of Kaokoland makes them one of the more photographically rewarding subjects available in the region.
Conservation
Hartmann’s mountain zebra is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with a declining population trend. The primary threat is competition with domestic livestock for grazing and water. In Kaokoland, the traditional Himba grazing system that has coexisted with the zebra population for centuries is being disrupted by the fencing of water points and the intensification of livestock in some areas. Communal conservancies that include Hartmann’s mountain zebra in their management planning represent the most effective conservation approach for the species in Namibia.