Zebra

Perissodactyla

The zebra's most distinct feature is its black and white striped body. Closely related to horses and donkeys, the zebra’s stripe patterns are unique to each individual. These stripes are believed to be camouflage devices that help zebras hide well in the grass. Unlike horses, zebras have manes that are short and erect, as well as tails that have tufts of hair at the end. They also have great eyesight and hearing, as well as an acute sense of taste and smell. Their powerful hind legs are effective in warding off or injuring any predators or other animals they see as threats.

There are three species of zebra -- plains zebra, which is also known as the common zebra (Equus qugga), Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) and mountain zebra (Equus zebra). There are a number of subspecies of plains zebra. There are also two subspecies of mountain zebra-- cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) and Hartmann's mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannea). The Grevy's zebra is the largest of the three species.

Height 3.5-5 feet at shoulders
Length 7-9 feet
Weight 440-990 lbs
Lifespan 20-25 years

Diet

Staples Variety of grasses
Also known to eat shrubs, herbs, twigs, leaves and bark.

Population

Overall, plains zebras number at around 750,000. Historically, there were over 15,000 Grevy's zebras. However, there are only about 2,500 remaining today. There are 600-700 cape mountain zebras and around 800-1300 Hartmann's mountain zebras in the wild.

Range

Plains zebra are found on the savannas from Sudan to northern Zimbabwe in eastern Africa. Grevy's zebras are now mostly restricted to parts of northern Kenya. Mountain zebras occur in southwestern Africa with cape mountain zebras in South Africa and Hartmann's mountain zebras in Namibia and Angola.

Behavior

Zebras as very social animals and live in large groups called 'harems.' Plains and mountain zebras live in harems that are made up of one stallion and up to six mares and their young, while Grevy's zebras come together as groups for short periods of time. Sometimes herds come together to form temporary groups of up to 30 members. Zebras sleep standing up, and only when they are in groups that can warn them of danger. If they spot a predator, they will bark or whinny loudly to warn the others in the group.

Reproduction

Mating Season year round based on species
Gestation 12-13 months
Litter size 1 foal
Zebra foals are born with brown and white stripes as opposed to black and white stripes. Mares generally keep all other zebras away for 2-3 days until her foal recognizes her by sight, voice and smell.

Threats

The zebra's biggest threats are habitat loss due to ranching and farming and competition for water with livestock. They are also hunted for their skins.

Legal Status/Protection

While plains zebras populations are considered stable, Grevy's and both subspecies of mountain zebra are endangered.

*Endangered Species Act, **CITES Appendix I (Grevy's zebra and cape mountain zebra), **CITES Appendix II (Hartmann's mountain zebra)

* The Endangered Species Act requires the U.S. federal government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.

**Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty with more than 144 member countries. Appendix I listed species cannot be traded commercially. Appendix II listed species can be traded commercially only if it does not harm their survival.