Zebra
MammalEquidHerbivore
Plains zebras (Equus quagga) on open grassland.
Image: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Overview
Zebras are African members of the horse family (Equidae), genus Equus. Three living species are currently recognised: the plains zebra (E. quagga), the mountain zebra (E. zebra) and Grévy's zebra (E. grevyi). All three are characterised by black-and-white striping, though the pattern and the species' ecology differ significantly.
Habitat & Range
Plains zebras are the most widespread, occupying savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands across much of east and southern Africa. Mountain zebras inhabit rugged mountainous and rocky terrain in parts of southern Africa. Grévy's zebra is found in the more arid landscapes of the Horn of Africa, particularly in northern Kenya and Ethiopia.
Diet
Zebras are grazers, feeding primarily on grasses. Plains zebras in particular are notable for taking coarse, fibrous grasses that other ungulates avoid, and for opening up grazing succession that benefits other species. Water dependence varies between species; Grévy's zebra is more drought-tolerant than the plains zebra.
Behavior
Plains and mountain zebras typically live in stable family groups ("harems") consisting of an adult stallion, several mares, and their dependent young. Bachelor males form separate groups. Grévy's zebra has a different social structure with much looser, more flexible groupings and territorial adult males.
Human Interaction & Conservation
Conservation pressures vary by species. Plains zebra populations are generally more resilient. Mountain and Grévy's zebras are both of considerably more concern, with relatively small wild populations and significant pressures from habitat loss, water competition with livestock, and historic hunting. Status should be checked species-by-species on the IUCN Red List.
Appearance & Recognition
Zebras have a typical horse-like body — long limbs, deep chest, large head with broad muzzle — but the black-and-white stripe patternmakes them immediately distinguishable from any other living equid. Unlike domestic horses, the mane stands upright rather than falling to one side, and the tail ends in a tassel of long hairs rather than a continuous long flow.
Stripe pattern is itself a species cue. The plains zebra typically has broad, wraparound stripes that continue onto the belly, often with fainter shadow stripes between the black bands. The mountain zebra carries a distinctive "gridiron" pattern of horizontal stripes across the rump and a small dewlap on the throat. Grévy's zebra has the narrowest, most closely-spaced stripes, large rounded ears, and a white belly without ventral stripes. Individual stripe patterns are unique to each animal and are used in research for identification; foals are usually born with a brownish base coat that darkens to black as they mature.
Similar Animals
Zebras are part of the horse family Equidae, which also includes domestic horses, donkeys, and wild asses. African ungulates that overlap with zebras in habitat and ecology include wildebeest, gazelles, and other grazing species.
More photos of the zebra
Plains zebra (Equus quagga) mare with foal.
Image: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Burchell's zebra (a subspecies of the plains zebra) mare with foal.
Image: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.