“Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived. Who are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity?”
- Edward O. Wilson, Biologist

Hoofstock.

Grevy's Zebra Trust is the only organization that is 100% dedicated to the Grevy's Zebra.
The Sahara Conservation Fund works to restore endangered populations of Dama Gazelle, Scimitar-Horned Oryx, and the Addax.
The Okapi Conservation Project is aimed at conserving this elusive and endangered species, as well as protecting the rainforest it lives in.
Defenders of Wildlife works to protect American bison herds on both public and tribal lands by partnering with the National Park Service.

Grevy’s Zebra

Equus grevyi

It is likely no shock to learn that Grevy’s Zebra are hunted for their beautiful skins — poachers sell their meat and body parts on the black market, which are used for both traditional medicine and for social status. In addition to this threat, they also face competition from domestic livestock herds for grazing space.

Grevy’s Zebra are the largest of the three zebra species, as well as the largest wild equid, and they are the most endangered. A fun fact: this particular species has about 80 stripes in total, and — yes — zebras are black with white stripes! Their skin is black underneath the fur.

Somali Wild Ass

Equus africanus somaliensis

In contrast to Grevy’s zebra, the largest of the equid species, Somali Wild Asses are the smallest of the wild equids. Like most other endangered animals, their populations suffer from habitat loss due to competition with local livestock herds for food and water, as well as agricultural development. This species in particular is hunted for their meat and other body parts used in traditional medicine, and sometimes suffer from inbreeding with donkeys, of which they are the last remaining ancestor. They were brought to Africa by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

Okapi

Okapia johnstoni

The okapi is one of the most elusive and shy animals on the planet. In fact, they weren’t even discovered in the Congo Basin until 1901, and as such, are completely dependent on deep, in tact rainforests for their survival. Logging and human settlement are their greatest threat to extinction.

At first glance, one might assume these strange looking animals are related to zebras with their striped legs. But actually, they are the closest living relative of the giraffe! They even bear the nickname “the forest giraffe.”

Takin

Budorcas taxicolor

While climate change is a significant factor in the status of the Mishmi takin, hunting and livestock competition affect the rest. Sharing space with domestic herds also means the potential increase of transmitted diseases, which wipe out breeding individuals and young alike.

Rumor has it that the takin was the inspiration behind Disney’s animation of the Beast in Beauty and the Beast — with the body of a bison, horns like a wildebeest, and a shaggy mane around its neck, it’s somewhat of mismatch of different animals, sometimes referred to as the “gnu goat.” They have no skin glands, but they secrete an oily substance that acts as a natural raincoat during storms and damp weather.