BEHIND THE SCENE

Many people think of zebras as a common species , but all three species of zebras are listed on the IUCN’s Red list of endangered animals, and that raises concerns.

The Grevy’s zebra is present only in Kenya and Ethiopia. Its population is stable, but is still considered endangered species. 

The IUCN lists the mountain zebra as vulnerable, though populations are increasing slowly. 

The most abundant of the three species is the familiar plains zebra, which is classified as near-threatened. Populations are trending downwards, however.

Threats to zebras include drought, human conflict such as wars and civil unrest, the bushmeat trade and hunting for their skins and body parts.

Interior designers all over the world with an eye for symmetry and design have been drawn to Nature’s design for inspiration for centuries. There’s a fine line between inspiration and exploitation, however. Be it elephant ivory, precious stones, marble, rare tropical wood or animal’s skins, exploitation must come to an end at some point.

I’d rather photograph the wonderful patterns of a zebra’s stripes, print the image and hang it on a gallery wall than walk on a zebra’s hide as a rug.