Tira is the first polka dot zebra found in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Similarly patterned zebra foals have been seen before in Botswana. Tira, a plains zebra (Equus quagga) who is mostly black, with white spots, was first discovered and named by a local guide named The Tira.[1][2][3][4][5]
 | |
| Species | Plains zebra (Equus quagga) |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 2019 Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Known for | polka dot coat |
The dotted color is a genetic condition popularly called pseudomelanism. One geneticist suggests "spotted" or "partially spotted" may be a better description as "pseudomelanism" is not well defined.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Rare polka-dotted zebra foal photographed in Kenya". Animals. National Geographic. 2019-09-18. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
- ^ Katz, Brigit (14 September 2019). "Spotted in Kenya: A Baby Zebra With Polka Dots". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
- ^ "What's the deal with Kenya's rare polka-dot zebra?". Earth Touch News Network. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
- ^ "Rare polka-dotted zebra caught on camera". The Independent. 2019-10-04. Archived from the original on 2022-06-21. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
- ^ "Why have stripes when you can have spots?". Retrieved 2020-10-06.
- ^ "Rare Zebra Foal With Polka Dots Spotted In Kenya". Forbes. Retrieved March 19, 2022.