A lack of gene flow can lead to inbreeding and ultimately infertility, disease, and other genetic defects. Migrating infuses populations with new genes, making it key to a species’ long-term survival. Habitat fragmentation caused by fences, roads, and human development have squeezed zebra populations, like the one in Lake Mburu, into small pockets of land, preventing some of the animals from migrating between herds. Though plains zebras are the least threatened of the three species, their numbers have dropped by 25 percent since 2002, with around 500,000 animals ranging from Ethiopia to South Africa. So biologist Brenda Larison found it striking that an unusually high number-an estimated 5 percent-of plains zebra living near Uganda’s Lake Mburo were abnormally striped. Such aberrations-often caused by genetic mutations that alter the production of melanin, a natural pigment-are generally rare among mammals. In 2019 in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, scientists recorded a polka-dotted foal, with white spots covering its dark-brown body. But in some cases, these African equines sport unusual color patterns, such as large, black splotches or golden coats with light-colored stripes. And without that natural fly deterrent, she's more at risk of contracting a disease (like equine influenza) that's spread by biting flies.Anyone can tell you that zebras have distinctive black and white stripes. Her unusual coat pattern will make her stand out from the herd, and that's not a good thing when you're trying not to be noticed by a hungry lion. With spots instead of stripes, Tira is likely at a disadvantage. Other theories say that stripes play a roll in temperature regulation and camouflage against predators. Scientists suggest the stripes evolved as a way to deter biting flies. According to research, a zebra's distinctive coat pattern is about more than looking good. She looked to be about a week old and was with her mother and the rest of her herd. But with a closer look, it was clear Tira really is a zebra. Liu wrote on Instagram that at first glance, the foal looked like it was a completely different species. Wildlife officials have observed zebras with the same mutation in Botswana's Okavango Delta, but there's precious little information about these rare animals. Liu believes baby Tira is the first spotted zebra to be seen in the Masai Mara. In this case, it caused baby Tira's stripes to transform into spots. It's extremely rare, and it causes animals to show abnormalities in the patterns of their stripes. But according to National Geographic, this baby's unique look is all about genetics. Seeing a zebra with spots instead of stripes was certainty surprising. Liu was one of the first people to see the spotted zebra in real life and take its picture. The guide named the baby after his last name, Tira. During this trip to Kenya, he wrote on social media that a guide at the reserve came across a genetically mutated zebra foal. The Australian photographer has traveled the globe getting up close with nature and photographing amazing wildlife. Liu was at the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya hoping to photograph rhinos. The photographer was lucky enough to come across an extremely rare sight-a spotted zebra foal. But thanks to talented wildlife photographer Frank Liu, we're learning that a zebra's coat pattern isn't as predictable as we thought. They're one of the most recognizable animals in the world thanks to their distinct black and white coat markings. Everyone including your four-year-old nephew knows that zebra have stripes.
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