Quagga (kwăg' gȦ), a striped wild ass, related to the zebra and, like the latter, peculiar to Africa. It formerly abounded in herds on the plains south of Vaal River, but now is rare, if not extinct. During its abundance thousands were killed annually by Boer hunters for their skins. It is easily distinguished from the three other members of the family, although Burchell's zebra is often erroneously called quagga. The head, neck, mane and shoulders are striped, but the stripes fade out behind the shoulders, and the hind quarters and legs are unstriped. It is of stouter build than the zebra, but has ears and tail more like a horse. Its color is reddish brown above with dark brown spots, the under surface and the legs being nearly white.
