Zebras are part of the Equidae family. Zebras live
in the grasslands, sometimes with light woodlands ,
scrub and mountains. Zebras are located in eastern,
central and southern Africa.
Zebras are covered with black and white stripes. The
striped pattern varies from zebra to zebra. There are
three main types of zebra that include Grevy’s Zebra,
the Mountain Zebra, and Burchell’s Zebra (also known
as the common zebra). Grevy’s and the mountain zebras
have narrower stripes than the common zebra, they also
have more stripes. Every species of zebra has a different
stripe pattern on their rump to help them “follow the
leader” when traveling in a herd. The Grevy’s zebra
has rounded hears that differ from the other species
and help distinguish them.
Zebras have short stiff striped mane that stands up
straight. Stripes are usually evenly spaced and close
together. Each and every zebra has a unique stripe combination,
similar to a humans fingerprint, that tells them apart.
Zebras live in herds of 4-20. Zebras are creatures
of flight they will instinctively run when frightened,
but they will also defend themselves if cornered by
biting predators or kicking with their hooves. In the
mating season rival male zebras fight for the attention
of females. The males rear up on the back legs, and
kick and bite each other. Zebras also spend some of
their time grooming each other with their front teeth.
Zebras are herbivores; Zebras spend 60-80 percent of
their day grazing on the grasslands. Common zebras drink
ever day and do not wander too far from their water
holes. Grevy’s and mountain zebra may go a few days
without water, and they live in a drier habitat that
common zebras. Occassionally mountain zebras may dig
holes in a dry river bed to reach underground water.
Gestation for zebra are 11-12.5 months. WIthin an hour
of the birth of a Zebra foal is able to run. Foals remain
with their mother for up to three years.
About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com
an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also
guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net