With unique stripes and high pitched whinnies, today's species is non other than the zebra. Not many people known that there is more than one type of zebra; the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grevy's zebra are main types. They each have subspecies. The Burchell’s zebras are the most abundant of the three zebra species and live in the savannahs of Eastern Africa. They usually travel in herds, but disperse during the day to graze alone on coarse grasses, gathering later to find water.
No two zebras look exactly alike, as stripes vary between individuals. They live in permanent small groups. These two factors help against predator attacks because, a lion (for example) will stalk and look for the easiest prey. After picking one individual out of the group, the lion charges. Fortunate for the zebra, when a herd runs, all the stripes confuse the predator, ending (usually) in the predator giving up the hunt. Burchell’s zebras commonly mix herds with antelope, adding extra protection against predators.
These spirited creatures are mainly threatened by habitat loss. Another threat is hunting and poaching. If you would like to donate and save a zebra, you can visit http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/species_SKU.cfm?gid=39.
Zebra Fun Facts:
- Scientific Name: Equus quagga (plains zebra); Equus zebra (mountain zebra); Equus grevyi (Grevy's zebra)
- Threat Level:
- plains zebra: Least Concern
- mountain zebra: Vulnerable
- Grevy's zebra: Endangered
- Height to Shoulder: 3.7-4.5 ft. (plains); 4.1-5 ft. (Grevy's)
- Length: 6.5-8 ft.
- Weight: 485-550 pounds (plains); 770-990 pounds (Grevy's)
- Lifespan: 15-30 years in the wild; up to 40 years in captivity
- Typical Diet: mostly grasses; will eat twigs and leaves
- Can reach speeds above 40 mph and can often out run predators
- The leader of the herd is known as a "stallion"
- Mostly live in east Africa's grass plains, wooded grasslands, and savannas
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