Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery

by Sandra Markle Narrated by Book Buddy Digital Media

Overview

Every year in Namibia, about two thousand zebras suddenly disappear from their grazing area along the Chobe River. Months later, the herd returns. Where do they go? And why? Thanks to satellite-tracking collars, scientists were able to solve the mystery, but several questions remain. Award-winning science author Sandra Markle reveals the process scientists used to study the zebras, and she also delves into the science of migration, exploring how animals know where to go, how to get there, and when to leave.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"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."—Booklist

School Library Journal

03/01/2020

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

Kirkus Reviews

2019-12-22
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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173231826
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/01/2020
Series:	Sandra Markle's Science Discoveries
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Videos