QUAGGA Meaning and
Definition
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Quagga refers to an extinct subspecies of zebra, Equus quagga quagga, that inhabited South Africa until the 19th century. The quagga was characterized by its unique appearance, with a zebra-like pattern that faded into a brownish or cream-colored coat towards its back half. It was smaller than other zebras and had a unique head shape, with a forehead that sloped more abruptly. The name "quagga" is derived from the Khoikhoi people's description of the animal's call.
Quaggas were herbivorous grazers, primarily feeding on grasses and other vegetation. They were social animals, living in small herds that typically consisted of a dominant male with several females and young offspring. Quaggas were native to the Cape Province of South Africa and inhabited open grasslands and scrublands.
Due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction from expanding human settlements, the quagga population declined rapidly. The last known wild quagga was shot in the late 19th century, while the last captive specimen died in an Amsterdam zoo in 1883. The extinction of the quagga is considered a stark example of human-driven extinction, and it has become an important symbol in conservation efforts.
Today, there are ongoing projects to selectively breed quagga-like traits into plains zebras to further the conservation of this unique subspecies.
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A S. African animal, allied both to the ass and the zebra.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for QUAGGA
- 1uagga
- 2uagga
- wuagga
- auagga
- qyagga
- qhagga
- qjagga
- qiagga
- q8agga
- q7agga
- quzgga
- qusgga
- quwgga
- quqgga
- quafga
- quavga
- quabga
- quahga
- quayga
- quaggya
Etymology of QUAGGA
The word "quagga" comes from the Khoikhoi language, which is a subgroup of the Khoisan language family spoken in southern Africa. The Khoikhoi people were native to the region, and they referred to the animal as "kwagga" or "quacha" in their language. The Khoikhoi word likely imitates the sound the animal made. When European settlers encountered the animal, they anglicized the Khoikhoi term to "quagga", and it has been used in English to refer to this particular species of zebra ever since.
Similar spelling words for QUAGGA
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