A recent study in Africa has revealed that zebras hold the record of the longest known terrestrial cross-country migration in Africa. Nearly 500km are covered by large number of zebras in a round trip from Chobe river in Namibia to Botswana's Nxai Pan National park, said researchers.

Members of WWF and Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) in collaboration with Elephants Without Borders, a conservationist group, have published the study through a paper in Oryx. The group monitored the travel of eight adult Plains Zebras using GPS collars over a period of two years.

The animals were not restricted by national borders naturally. The zebras travelled a distance equivalent to that between Delhi and Jaipur and back, crossing Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. There are several species like monarch butterflies, wildebeest and humpback whales that are known for their long-distance migrations. But the recent study has come at a time when threats have been posed to many migratory patterns because of human interventions. The study will help in examining animal behavior and conservation.

There is a need of conservation for animals because lands are being increasingly dominated by humans. Also, it is important to understand that migration of animals is not restricted by borders and that is why a cross-country approach must be considered for conservation efforts.

Further study is required to confirm that this migration has a fixed annual pattern, despite the fact that the research was conducted for a period of two years.