BURCHELL'S ZEBRA 



The typical species is either extinct or almost so. 



These local races merge almost imperceptibly 

 one into the other, making the separation of them 

 into distinct sub-species a matter of considerable 

 difficulty. 



The following are the chief points of difference on 

 which Burchell's Zebras have been divided into 

 various sub-species. This key of the sub-species 

 is taken from The Fauna of South AJrica, by W. L. 

 Sclater. 



Key to the Sub-species 



A. Barrel stripes not reaching the ventral longitudinal stripe. 



(a) Legs white and unstriped from their junction with body. 



Equus burchdli burchelli. 

 (4) Legs slightly striped as far as the knees and hocks. 



Equus burchelli antiquorum. 



B. Barrel stripes meeting the ventral longitudinal stripe. 



{a) Shadow stripes extending to neck, where they are very 

 plain, lower portion of legs but slightly marked. 



Equus burchdli transvaalensis. 



(b) Shadow stripes only on quarters, very strong and distinct, 

 fetlocks and pasterns unstriped and unspotted. 



Equus burchelli wahlbergi. 

 (f) Shadow stripes on quarters faint and narrow. 

 (i) Stripes on the lower part of the leg showing a tendency 

 to become obliterated, pasterns not continuously black. 



Equus burchelli chapmani. 

 (ii) Legs strongly striped to the hoofs ; fetlocks and 

 pasterns continuously black. Equus burchelli selousi. 

 {d) No shadow stripes. Equus burchelli crazashayi. 



Burchell's Zebras vary considerably in their 

 markings in the same herd, and in consequence it 

 will, I think, be found, on further and more exten- 

 sive investigation, that the majority, if not all, of 



19s 



