Tira (zebra)
 | |
| Species | Plains zebra (Equus quagga) |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 2019 Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Known for | polka dot coat |
Tira is the first polka dot zebra[1] 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 Anthony Tira.[2][3][4][5][6]
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.[7]
Zebras with unusual coat patterns, like Tira, may be part of a broader trend of genetic mutations affecting stripe formation. Researchers suggest that such variations could be linked to environmental factors or genetic changes, as observed in other spotted and oddly striped zebras. [8]
The distinctive appearance of Tira has inspired cultural works, such as Angela Doyle's children's book,[9] Zeke the Polka-Dotted Zebra,[10] which explores themes of uniqueness and self-acceptance. As interest in uniquely patterned zebras like Tira grows, it is hoped that more literature and research will explore their genetic traits, conservation significance, and cultural impact.
References
[edit]- ^ "Rare polka-dotted zebra foal photographed in Kenya".
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Spotted and oddly striped zebras may be a warning for species' future".
- ^ "Zeke the Polka dotted Zebra".
- ^ "Illustrations by Blueberry Illustrations".