Zebra

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Zebras

Zebra Types: There are three zebra species: the mountain zebra, the plains (or common) zebra, and the Grevy's zebra. The plains zebra includes six subspecies, and each differs in the pattern of their black and white stripes.

Huge Herds: They all graze in large herds on tall grasses. Some zebra herds number in the tens of thousands, but within these larger herds are distinct family groups composed of a male, several females and their young.

Mysterious Stripes: It has often been suggested that the stripes of zebras serve as camouflage in tall grasses. But the fact that they make no attempt to hide and freeze when a predator is seen — indeed, they become noisy and active — seems to contradict this theory.

DID YOU KNOW?

Like Fingerprints: A zebra's stripes are as unique as human fingerprints and help identify individuals.

The Primitive Zebra: The Grevy's zebra is the largest of all the wild equines (horses), and the most primitive of the three zebra species. Stripes aside, it's more similar to a donkey than to other zebras.

Vicious Fighters: Zebra fights are often very vicious. The animals bite at each other's heads, necks and legs, wrestle each other to the ground and kick with powerful hind legs.

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The Zebra

Zebra Profile
No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each animal's stripes are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly alike—although each of the three species has its own general pattern.

Why do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren't sure, but many theories center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The patterns may make it difficult for predators to identify a single animal from a running herd and distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may dissuade insects that recognize only large areas of single-colored fur or act as a kind of natural sunscreen. Because of their uniqueness, stripes may also help zebras recognize one another.

Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together, primarily on grass, and even groom one another.

Plains (Burchell's) zebras are the most common species. They live in small family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and their young. These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring herds thousands of head strong, but family members will remain close within the herd.

Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and hyenas. A herd has many eyes alert to danger. If an animal is attacked, its family will come to its defense, circling the wounded zebra and attempting to drive off predators.

Zebra Range (In the yellow)

Fast Facts

Type: Mammal
Diet: Herbivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 25 years
Size: Height at the shoulder, 3.5 to 5 ft (1.1 to 1.5 m)
Weight: 440 to 990 lbs (200 to 450 kg)
Group name: Herd

Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man

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Credit:

Information © AnimalPlanet.com
Information & Pictures © NationalGeographic.com