Follow Those Zebras

March 1, 2020

Gr 3-6-Markle's informational picture book describes how scientists worked to solve the mystery of migrating zebras in southern Africa. Every year during the dry season, thousands of zebras disappeared from the savannas, and no one could explain where they went. In 2012 Robin Naidoo, a research scientist with the World Wildlife Fund, assembled a team to uncover the answer. Naidoo and his team decided to track the zebras using GPS tracking collars. Surprisingly, the data showed the longest-known terrestrial wildlife migration in Africa. The researchers learned that the zebras traveled to Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana. Plenty of photographs provide visual context to this mystery, and small sidebars offer interesting tidbits without overwhelming the page. Markle shares an abundance of information about the environment and basic facts on zebras before delving into the mystery of their migration. Text moves quickly and maintains reader interest, although the tone is better suited for younger readers. An extensive glossary, an author's note, an index, and suggested reading are included. VERDICT A solid and readable addition to school library collections.-Savannah Kitchens, Parnell Memorial Library, Montevallo, AL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2020
Scientists solve the mystery of a disappearing zebra herd. A herd of plains zebra regularly vanishes from the Chobe River flood plains in Namibia and Botswana during the dry season, but until Robin Naidoo and other scientists fitted some of these animals with GPS trackers, no one knew where they went or why. Markle (The Great Shark Rescue, 2019, etc.) ably describes the species, its habitat in the Serengeti Plain, the phenomenon of migration, the science research, and its surprising results: a "record-holding zebra migration" to the grasses in Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park, which have extra nutrients for the mares and the foals they bear there. Her clear explanations are accompanied by well-chosen and informatively captioned photographs from a variety of sources. The lively design includes a striking zebra-coat background surrounding boxes with additional information and images. Maps help American readers locate this migration in southern Africa. One that includes the tracked migration routes of eight females demonstrates the astonishing directness of the 155-mile journey undertaken by seven (the meandering route taken by the eighth is unexplained). The author concludes with concerns about the possible effects of the changing climate and how conservation groups are planning to help the zebras so that they can continue to travel unimpeded and find water on their way. A hopeful and helpful addition to any nature library. (author's note, fast facts, glossary, source notes, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 8-11)

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April 1, 2020
Grades 3-6 How can you lose 2,000 plains zebras? In the Chobe River region of Namibia, this is exactly what was happening each dry season. The local zebra herd would leave and return like clockwork, but no one knew where?or why?they were going. The strangeness of this phenomenon struck research scientist Robin Naidoo, who decided to get to the bottom of the mystery. Markle describes Naidoo's efforts to monitor the elusive herd via GPS tracking collars (subduing a wild zebra is no easy feat!) and the resultant discovery of the longest overland large mammal migration: 593 miles, round trip, between Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park and Namibia. Supplementing his work with large photos and maps, all clearly captioned, Markle delivers information on zebra behavior, as well as Naidoo's connection between the migration and zebras' breeding cycle, something that will likely be negatively affected by global warming. The well-organized and interesting subject matter makes this a solid choice, and the realistic glimpse into how scientists problem-solve and conduct field research adds to its value.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)