Zebras are African equids best known for their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. They are generally social animals and can be seen in small harems to large herds. Unlike their closest relatives, horses and asses, zebras have never been truly domesticated.There are three species of zebra: the plains zebra, Grévy's zebra and the mountain zebra. The unique stripes and behaviors of zebras make these among the animals most familiar to people. They can be found in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, savannas, woodlands, thorny scrublands, mountains and coastal hills.
Ten Facts about Zebras
- Zebras are avid grazers. Both Burchell's and Grevy's zebras are in constant search of green pastures. In the dry season, they can live on coarse, dry grass only if they are within a short distance.
- Zebras are important prey for lions and hyenas, and to a lesser extent for hunting dogs, leopards and cheetahs.
- Zebras have excellent eyesight. It is believed that they can see in color. Zebras also have night vision.
- Zebras have excellent hearing, and tend to have larger, rounder ears than horses. Like horses and other ungulates, zebra can turn their ears in almost any direction. In addition to eyesight and hearing, zebras have an acute sense of smell and taste.
- Zebras communicate with each other with high pitched barks and whinnying. When a zebra is in a calm, tense or friendly mood, its ears stand erect. When it is frightened, its ears are pushed forward. When angry, the ears are pulled backward.
- Female zebras mature earlier than the males, and a mare may have her first foal by the age of three. Males are not able to breed until the age of five or six.
- Mares may give birth to one foal every twelve months. She nurses the foal for up to a year.
- Size: 45 to 55 inches at the shoulder (Burchell's); 50 to 60 inches (Grevy's).
- Lifespan: 40 years in captivity.
- Gestation is 12 to 13 months.
