A new discovery made with the help of GPS technology shows that Plains zebras regularly undergo the longest terrestrial migration of any land animal. Scientists tracking of zebras have determined that these majestic animals can travel over 300 miles during the course of their migration.
The study was conducted with the help of a GPS collar attached to eight Plains zebras (Equus quagga). The zebras were first tranquilized by researchers swooping in from the air on a helicopter. After the zebras were safely sedated, the scientists blindfolded the animals to help reduce the stress of the experience. While the zebras were blindfolded, the researchers attached a GPS collar to the animals to track their movements during migrations. The researchers published their findings in the journal Oryx.
"This unexpected discovery of endurance in an age dominated by humans, where we think we know most everything about the natural world, underscores the importance of continued science and research for conservation," said World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) senior conservation scientist Robin Naidoo.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Namibia Ministry of Environment of Tourism (MET), the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks and Elephants Without Borders (EWB) and the WWF. All in all, it took the researchers two years to complete the study. Over the course of 2 years, the scientists tracked the zebra population's movements from Botswana and Namibia. The zebras' range stretched from the Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana and the Namibian Chobe River. The zebras' migratory route was a relatively straight line and the two points were separated by a distance of around 150 miles (250 km). During each round trip, the zebra's travelled a distance of 311 miles (500km).
The findings of the study are especially important today when the migratory patterns of various species are being disrupted by human activities. Manmade barriers such as roads and fences can often wreak havoc on the migrations of some animals. The findings may also help conservation scientists determine more effective methods of safeguarding and preserving the migratory patterns of these animals. Aside from Zebras, several of other African terrestrial animals regularly migrate covering large distances throughout Africa.
"The findings of this study emphasize the importance of trans-frontier conservation areas in conservation of the greater landscape," said MET chief conservation scientist Pierre Du Preez. "This study has played a crucial role in helping determine a key wildlife corridor in KAZA."
