BURCHELL'S ZEBRA 



In the Game Reserves of Zululand and the 

 Transvaal, these Zebras are increasing at a rapid 

 rate. Now that they are free from persecution by 

 man in these areas, they are gradually resuming 

 their former sociable habits ; and instead of scattering 

 about the country in family parties, they are coming 

 together and forming herds. 



When persecuted. Zebras take to the broken, 

 stony, hilly country and bush-veld, and only venture 

 upon the open plains during the hours of darkness. 

 When persistently persecuted, they resort to the 

 boulder-strewn mountain ranges. 



They usually drink at night or in the early hours 

 of the morning, but in the Game Reserves, where 

 they are free from molestation, they may often be 

 seen going to water during the daytime. 



According to Major Stevenson-Hamilton, the 

 gestation period varies between eleven and thirteen 

 months. The foals are born during the early summer 

 months, viz. from August to the end of October, or 

 early November. 



The Lion is the most dreaded of the Zebra's natural 

 enemies. They usually lie in ambush at the 

 drinking places. Knowing this habit of their arch- 

 enemy, the Zebras, in lion-infested districts, 

 approach the water with extreme caution, ready on 

 the instant to wheel about and make off at full speed. 

 In any case, the moment their thirst is quenched, 

 they gallop away to the open ground. 



The mare Zebras tend to grow exceedingly fat, 

 191 



