In Africa, they noticed a unique zebra, on which instead of stripes - specks
In Africa, they noticed a unique zebra, on which instead of stripes - specks

Video: In Africa, they noticed a unique zebra, on which instead of stripes - specks

Video: In Africa, they noticed a unique zebra, on which instead of stripes - specks
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The old question of whether a zebra is white with black stripes or black with white stripes seems to have finally found a definite answer. The dispute was resolved by a foal born in Kenya's National Wildlife Refuge. Despite the fact that the baby's father and mother are the most ordinary zebras, there are no stripes on the foal. Instead, his body is "decorated" with specks.

A unique kid
A unique kid
Zebra foal
Zebra foal

The baby was born completely different from his parents - instead of the usual stripes on his black body, you can see only a relatively small number of white dots - there are more of them on the legs, and there are almost none of them closer to the back. The foal was noticed by two photographers - Rahul Sachdev and Anthony Tira, who, in addition to photographing, also works as a guide to the reserve.

Instead of stripes - specks
Instead of stripes - specks
An unusual foal in Kenya
An unusual foal in Kenya

Previously, such foals were also sometimes noticed, but in the wild their chances of survival are very small - usually such zebras do not live up to six months. Scientists do not know for certain the reason for this trend, but they assume that this is due to several factors at once. The stripes are believed to help zebras camouflage horseflies and tsetse flies, which react to light polarization, which differs when reflected from stripes of different colors. In African conditions, this is of great importance, since not only the bites themselves are dangerous, but various viruses that can be carried by insects.

The unique colt color has attracted the attention of the whole world
The unique colt color has attracted the attention of the whole world

It is also believed that the striped coloring of zebras helps them avoid meeting predators, since it is more difficult to correctly assess the outlines of the animal's body. However, this foal was not born in the wild, but in the Masai Mara reserve, which means that its chances of survival may be higher.

The baby has ordinary parents with the usual color for zebras
The baby has ordinary parents with the usual color for zebras

Each zebra's stripes form a unique pattern, and therefore it is impossible to find two exactly the same zebras. Usually a herd of zebras is quite loyal to individuals that are fundamentally different from themselves, that is, suffer from albinism or melanism, and accept them on equal terms. So this kid still has a chance to survive.

Stripeless zebras usually don't live up to six months in the wild
Stripeless zebras usually don't live up to six months in the wild
An unusual kid
An unusual kid
Dots instead of stripes
Dots instead of stripes

The reserves help to preserve not only rare species of animals, but also plants. One example of such reserves is Socotra Island. Read and see what amazing flora specimens can be found in this place in our article. "Island-reserve".

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