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

Quaggas were beautiful pony-sized zebras in southern Africa that were hunted by indigenous people, used by settlers to pull wagons and protect livestock, and taken to Europe where they were admired and exhibited. Excessive hunting led to their extinction in the 1880s, but DNA from museum specimens showed that rebreeding was feasible. This rebreeding is compared to other de-extinction and rewilding ventures and discussed against the backdrop of conservation challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Quaggas, majestic equine creatures reminiscent of zebras, graced the southern African landscapes with their exquisite beauty. These pony-sized zebras possessed a distinctive trait: their bodies and legs showcased fewer stripes compared to their counterparts, resulting in a more subdued and brownish hue. Indigenous communities, deeply connected to these animals, engaged in hunting practices, immortalized them in rock art, and shared captivating tales about their existence. Settlers, recognizing their value, utilized quaggas to tow wagons and safeguard their livestock from predators. These remarkable creatures were even transported to Europe, where they garnered admiration, were showcased in exhibitions, and were harnessed to carriages, immortalized by renowned artists, and documented by scientists. However, the allure of quaggas' beauty was short-lived. Excessive hunting, driven by human desires, led to their extinction in the 1880s. Yet, hope emerged when DNA from museum specimens revealed the possibility of rebreeding. Today, zebras resembling quaggas once again roam in their former habitats, a testament to the resilience of nature. This remarkable endeavor, known as de-extinction and rewilding, raises important questions about which organisms and habitats should be prioritized for preservation and whether efforts to restore extinct species are warranted. As we navigate the Anthropocene, a time characterized by species extinction, climate change, and habitat loss, we must confront the ethical dilemmas surrounding conservation. Should we strive to protect and restore all forms of life, regardless of their rarity or perceived value? Or should we focus our efforts on preserving the ecosystems and species that are most critical to the health of our planet? These questions require careful consideration and a multidisciplinary approach, as we strive to strike a balance between preserving biodiversity and addressing the urgent challenges of our time.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 235 x 157 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108831604