348 WILD ANIMALS. 



three; the markings, forming black garters, extend down the 

 legs to the hoofs, which is not the case in the others. There are 

 other minor distinctions that are noticeable. The ears being 

 long, and tail tufted, are more like those of a donkey; while the 

 other zebras in this respect exhibit a closer resemblance to horses. 



These zebras are very shy and timid animals, and are easily 

 alarmed. They are gregarious and associate together in con- 

 siderable numbers. 



They are only now to be found in certain hilly districts of 

 southern Africa. Burchell, in consequence, gave them the 

 distinguishing name of " mountain zebras." It is surmised that 

 this species is rapidly becoming extinct, for hunters now rarely 

 meet with it, although Mr. Farini ^ states that he shot one lately 

 in the Kalahari desert, but this was an exceptional feat and one 

 on which he may certainly pride himself. 



Harris, referring to this species, writes : " Restricted to the 

 mountainous district of Africa, from Abyssinia to the southern- 

 most portions of the Cape of Good Hope, .this beautiful and 

 wary animal never by its own free will descends into the plain, 

 as erroneously asserted by older naturalists, and it therefore 

 never herds with either of its congeners, the quagga and Bur- 

 chell's zebra, whose habitat is equally limited to the open and 

 level woodlands. Seeking the wildest and most sequestered spots, 

 the haughty troops are exceedingly difficult of approach, as well on 

 account of their watchful habits and extreme agility and fleetness 

 of foot, as from the abrupt and inaccessible nature of their 

 highland abode. Under the special charge of a sentinel, so 

 posted on some adjacent crag as to command a view of every 

 avenue of approach, the chequered herd is to be viewed grazing 

 on the steep hill-side, or perambulating some rocky ledge on 

 which the rifle-ball alone can reach them, many a keen-eyed 

 vulture sailing majestically at their feet, over the bosom of the 

 deep blue valley. No sooner had the note of alarm been sounded 

 by the vidette than, pricking their long ears, the whole flock 

 hurry forward to ascertain the nature of the approaching danger, 

 and having gazed for a moment at the advancing hunter, whisking 

 1 "Througli the Kalahari Desert," 1886. 



