Quagga vs. Zebra — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Quaggas were a subspecies of plains zebra with distinct half-striping, extinct since the 19th century, while zebras are diverse, extant species with full body striping.
Difference Between Quagga and Zebra
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The quagga was a distinct subspecies of the plains zebra, characterized by stripes that were primarily on the front half of its body, fading into a solid brown on the hindquarters. Whereas zebras, including plains, mountain, and Grevy's, have stripes across their entire bodies.
Quaggas lived in South Africa and were last seen in the wild in the 1870s. On the other hand, zebras are widespread across various parts of Africa, adapting to a range of environments from savannahs to mountainous regions.
Due to overhunting and habitat destruction, quaggas became extinct in the late 19th century. Zebras, however, continue to face threats such as poaching and habitat loss but are protected by conservation efforts.
The quagga's striping pattern and coloration provided camouflage in its specific grassland habitat. In contrast, the zebra's strikingly bold stripes may serve multiple functions including predator confusion and temperature regulation.
The quagga is part of a selective breeding project known as the Quagga Project, which aims to recreate its phenotype by selectively breeding plains zebras. Zebras, however, are involved in various conservation programs focusing on maintaining genetic diversity and sustainable populations.
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Comparison Chart
Stripes
Half-body, fading on hindquarters
Full body, distinct and patterned
Habitat
South Africa, extinct in the wild
Widespread in Africa, diverse environments
Conservation Status
Extinct
Ranges from Near Threatened to Endangered
Primary Threats
Overhunting, habitat destruction
Poaching, habitat loss
Conservation Efforts
Quagga Project (breeding program)
Various wildlife conservation programs
Compare with Definitions
Quagga
A subspecies of plains zebra once found in South Africa, characterized by partial striping.
The quagga was last sighted in the wild in the 1870s.
Zebra
A genus of African equids with distinctive black-and-white striped coats.
Zebras use their stripes as camouflage against predators.
Quagga
Extinct since the late 19th century.
The last captive quagga died in 1883.
Zebra
Known for their social behavior and herd movements.
Zebras often form large herds for protection against predators.
Quagga
Known for its unique brown and white striping.
The quagga's striping distinguishes it from other zebra subspecies.
Zebra
Adapt to a variety of habitats from grasslands to mountainous regions.
Mountain zebras are adapted to living in rugged terrain.
Quagga
Subject of a selective breeding project to bring back its distinctive appearance.
The Quagga Project aims to recreate the quagga's phenotype.
Zebra
Protected by international conservation efforts.
Conservation programs help protect zebra populations from decline.
Quagga
Classified scientifically as Equus quagga quagga.
The quagga belongs to the same species as the more common plains zebra.
Zebra
Zebras (UK: , US: ) (subgenus Hippotigris) are African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There are three extant species: the Grévy's zebra (Equus grevyi), plains zebra (E. quagga), and the mountain zebra (E. zebra).
Quagga
The quagga ( or ) (Equus quagga quagga) is an extinct subspecies of the plains zebra that was endemic to South Africa until it was hunted to extinction in the late 19th century by European settler-colonists. It was long thought to be a distinct species, but early genetic studies have supported it being a subspecies of plains zebra.
Zebra
Any of several swift African mammals of the genus Equus, resembling the horse and having distinctive overall markings of alternating white and black or brown stripes.
Quagga
An equid (Equus quagga subsp. quagga) of southern Africa, extinct since the late 1800s. It was brownish with stripes only on the head, neck, and front of the body.
Zebra
Any of various striped organisms, such as a zebrafish.
Quagga
A southern-African subspecies of plains zebra, Equus quagga quagga, which went extinct in 1883. The upper parts of the animal were reddish brown, becoming paler behind and beneath, while the face, neck, and fore part of the body were marked by dark stripes.
Zebra
A referee in football.
Quagga
A South African wild ass (Equus quagga syn. Hippotigris quagga). The upper parts are reddish brown, becoming paler behind and behind and beneath, with dark stripes on the face, neck, and fore part of the body. The species became extinct in the late 1800's, largely due to excessive hunting.
Zebra
Any of three species of subgenus Hippotigris: E. grevyi, E. quagga, or E. zebra, all with black and white stripes and native to Africa.
Quagga
Mammal of South Africa that resembled a zebra; extinct since late 19th century
Zebra
A referee.
Zebra
An unlikely diagnosis, especially for symptoms probably caused by a common ailment. (Originates in the advice often given to medical students: "when you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras".)
Zebra
A biracial person, specifically one born to a member of the Sub-Saharan African race and a Caucasian.
Zebra
(informal) A fish, the zebra cichlid.
Zebra
Any of various papilionid butterflies of the subgenus Paranticopsis of the genus Graphium, having black and white markings.
Zebra
A zebra crossing.
Zebra
Any member of three species of African wild horses remarkable for having the body white or yellowish white, and conspicuously marked with dark brown or brackish bands.
Zebra
Any of several fleet black-and-white striped African equines
Zebra
Includes several species such as the plains zebra, mountain zebra, and Grevy's zebra.
The Grevy's zebra has narrower stripes compared to other species.
Common Curiosities
Why did quaggas become extinct?
Quaggas became extinct due to overhunting and habitat destruction in the late 19th century.
What are the current conservation statuses of zebras?
Zebras' conservation statuses vary, with some species like the Grevy's zebra classified as endangered.
What is the Quagga Project?
The Quagga Project is a selective breeding program aimed at recreating the quagga's distinctive striping and phenotype by breeding selected plains zebras.
What are the main differences in the striping patterns between quaggas and zebras?
Quaggas had stripes only on the front half of their body, fading into a solid brown on the hindquarters, whereas zebras have fully striped bodies.
Where did quaggas originally live?
Quaggas were endemic to South Africa, particularly in the Karoo and Southern Free State regions.
What types of environments do zebras inhabit?
Zebras inhabit a variety of environments ranging from savannahs to mountainous terrains.
How did quaggas and zebras differ in their adaptations to their environment?
The quagga's striping and color were adapted for camouflaging in its specific grassland environment, while zebra striping patterns serve various adaptive purposes across different environments.
Can quaggas be brought back to life?
While true resurrection of the original quagga genetic line is impossible, the Quagga Project seeks to approximate its physical appearance through selective breeding.
How do zebras use their stripes?
Zebra stripes may serve to confuse predators, regulate temperature, and reduce insect bites.
How are conservationists trying to protect zebras?
Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and breeding programs in wildlife reserves.
Are zebras endangered?
Some zebra species like the Grevy's zebra are endangered, while others have more stable populations.
What role do zebras play in their ecosystem?
Zebras play a crucial role in their ecosystems as grazers that help manage grassland health and serve as prey for predators.
What are the primary threats to zebras today?
The primary threats to zebras include poaching for their skins and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion.
How do zebras manage predator threats?
Zebras manage predator threats through their striping, which confuses predators during chases, and by forming large herds.
What efforts are being made to increase zebra populations?
Efforts to increase zebra populations involve habitat restoration, legal protection, and community-based conservation programs.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
