Critically endangered Grevy's Zebra foals born

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 28, 2009 – Contact:
Frank Mello
B Bryan Preserve
130 Riverside Drive
Point Arena, CA 95468
707-882-2297
fmello@bbryanpreserve.com


Rare and endangered Grey’s Zebra population on the rise at B Bryan Preserve

Point Arena, CA – B Bryan Preserve in Point Arena, CA recently had 3 endangered Grevy’s zebra born at its preserve. This is a significant addition to the diminishing population of this important zebra species.
In recent history, the Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), a species nearly endemic to Kenya, has undergone one of the most drastic reductions of range of any African mammal. Conservationists say the Grevy’s zebra population has decreased from 15,000 across eastern Africa region in 1970 to less than 2,000 that currently live only in arid habitats in northern Kenya and Ethiopia.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department this year's drought is the worst since 1996. It is taking a heavy toll on the people of Kenya, their livestock and of course the wildlife. Decades of destructive land use and unusually severe drought have combined to create a humanitarian crisis in the country. In addition to the human plight, the wildlife is suffering at an astonishing rate.

According to Dr. Frank Mello, PhD, “The greatest threats facing the species today are habitat degradation and loss as more land is converted to agricultural use. Overgrazing by livestock is leading to significant environmental degradation. Grevy’s zebra compete with the ever-increasing livestock population and agricultural crops for water” With the on going population increase, climate changes, anthrax outbreaks, the Grevy’s zebra could be on the verge of extinction in the wild.

At B Bryan Preserve, 1 female and 2 male were born in this rare species. “The young foals are doing well, bonding with their herd and exhibiting the characteristics that naturally occur in the wild”, said Mello. “We keep our Grevy’s in large herds to try and simulate as close to a natural habitat as possible.” B Bryan Preserve currently manages a herd of 13 Grevy’s Zebra as well as the endangered Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Angolan and South African Roan, Greater Kudu and Sable Antelope are also being conserved at B Bryan Preserve.

B Bryan Preserve is committed to the breeding and conservation to some of the rarest African Hoof Stock. In order to offset cost of care, B Bryan Preserve is open for tours by reservation only and provides upscale lodging on the Northern California Coast. There is also a B Bryan Preserve Wildlife Foundation where interested conservationist and animal lovers can make Tax free donations. Information is available at www.bbryanpreserve.com or Facebook.



If you would like more information on this topic or come up for a visit, please contact Frank Mello at 707-882-2297 or fmello@bbryanpreserve.com. Visit us at http://www.bbryanpreserve.com