Zebra
- Zebras are mammals that belong to the horse family.
- Today, they live only in Africa.
- They feed on tall and rough grasses and move over huge areas as they graze.
- They communicate with each other using calls and facial expressions.
- They often greet each other with nose-to-nose contact.
- There are three species of zebra:
- Common Zebra (Burchell’s),
- Grevy’s zebra, and
- The mountain zebra.
- Both Grevy’s and mountain zebras are endangered.
Why Zebras Have Stripes?
- They are known for their black and white stripes.
- It is not known why they are striped, but it is not for camouflage.
- They never hide from predators such as lions or hyenas.
- Each species has its own pattern of stripes.
- Burchell’s has broad stripes that are widely spaced.
- Grevy’s stripes are narrow and closely spaced, and the belly is white.
- The mountain zebra has a grid-like pattern of stripes on the rump.
- The Best theory that explains why they have stripes is “To get rid of incoming heat” by cooling.
Interesting Facts About Zebras
- They can run up to 65 KM/H or 40 Mph.
- Their stripes are unique like fingerprints.
- A group of zebras is called a “Zeal”.
- They can sleep standing up.
- They run in a zig-zag pattern to make it more difficult for predators to run after them.
- They cannot see orange color.
- They are wild animals and cannot be domesticated.
- Under their stripes, they have black skin.
Quick Facts & Data
- Type: Mammal
- Lifespan: ~20 – 25 years
- Size: 3.5-5 ft tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 200-450 kg
- Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, woodland, mountains, scrubland, and coastal hills
- Range: Africa
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