The Life, Extinction, and Rebreeding of Quagga Zebras
Significance for Conservation

Extinction of quagga zebras left behind historical records, art, literature, and DNA whose information led to their rebreeding.

Peter Heywood (Author)

9781108926911, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2022

242 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.42 kg

'The book is an enjoyable account of this interesting case of demise and attempted resurrection, and will appeal to conservation scientists as well as wildlife enthusiasts.' Brian W. van Wilgen, South African Journal of Science

Quaggas were beautiful pony-sized zebras in southern Africa that had fewer stripes on their bodies and legs, and a browner body coloration than other zebras. Indigenous people hunted quaggas, portrayed them in rock art, and told stories about them. Settlers used quaggas to pull wagons and to protect livestock against predators. Taken to Europe, they were admired, exhibited, harnessed to carriages, illustrated by famous artists and written about by scientists. Excessive hunting led to quaggas' extinction in the 1880s but DNA from museum specimens showed rebreeding was feasible and now zebras resembling quaggas live in their former habitats. This rebreeding is compared with other de-extinction and rewilding ventures and its appropriateness discussed against the backdrop of conservation challenges—including those facing other zebras. In an Anthropocene of species extinction, climate change and habitat loss which organisms and habitats should be saved, and should attempts be made to restore extinct species?

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Zebras
2. Quaggas
3. Coat coloration
4. Quaggas, zebras, and humans in Southern Africa
5. Quaggas abroad
6. Extinction
7. Afterlife
8. Rebreeding
9. Identity and conservation
Appendix 1. Early illustrations of quaggas
Appendix 2. Records of quaggas kept in Europe
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Animal breeding [TVHB], Endangered species & extinction of species [RNKH1], Animal ecology [PSVS], African history [HBJH]