Photos to be processed by special software able to identify each zebra

A zebra foal looks at its mother to memorize her unique stripe pattern.

A census to establish the number of Grevy’s zebra in several counties will be completed.

Conservancy groups, private ranchers, and volunteers will meet in Nanyuki town today to hand in data for final compilation.

The census dubbed ‘Great Grevy’s Rally’ is being conducted by Grevy Zebra Trust, Wildlife Direct, Kenya Wildlife Service, Marwell Wildlife, Northern Rangelands Trust, Saint Louis Zoo, and Lewa Conservancy.

Teams were sent to Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, Meru, and Marsabit counties to count the zebra by taking photographs. Each animal has unique stripes.

The photos will be processed by a special software able to identify each Grevy’s zebra, its age, and sex from its unique stripes.

The exercise is meant to monitor the population of the endangered species with a view of protecting them, according to Joan Wandengi from Laikipia Wildlife Forum. “We also want to involve groups living near wildlife habitats to help us protect them, especially those that are under threat,” Wandengi said yesterday.