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Zebra

Equus burchellii (Burchell’s), Equus zebra (mountain), Equus grevyi (Grevy’s), Equus quagga (quagga)

Zebra

Range

Zebras are found in eastern and southern Africa. There are 4 species of zebra: plains or Burchell’s (common) zebra, Grevy’s Zebra, mountain zebra, and the quagga (extinct).

Habitat

They are found on open, grassy plains or savannas, open woodlands and grassy mountain slopes. They share their range with other grazers like wildebeest, gazelles, oryx and antelope.

Body Traits

Zebras can grow to almost 5-feet tall at the shoulder. They can weigh as little as 400 pounds and as much as 900 pounds (males are bigger than females)!

Habits

Zebras have a barking whinny to warn of approaching predators and even post a lookout at night while others sleep.

Diet

They eat mostly grasses, with some leaves and twigs. They migrate according to how much food and water is available (herbivores).

Predators

Predators include leopards, cheetahs, lions and crocodiles.

Reproduction

Males compete for groups of mares (harems) by fiercely kicking and biting. Males without harems live in bachelor groups. Females are pregnant for 1 year (gestation) and give birth to 1 foal (rarely twins). They breed again right after giving birth. Foals can stand right after birth and can run within a few hours. Half of the zebra foals born each year are eaten by predators.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

Zebras live 20-30 years in the wild. Burchell’s zebra are listed as Lower Risk – least concern. Mountain zebra are listed as endangered. Grevy’s Zebra are listed as endangered. The Quagga is extinct.
Zebra

Classification

Burchell’s Zebra –
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Perissodactyla
  • Family: Equidae
  • Genus: Equus
  • Species: Equus burchellii
Mountain Zebra –
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Perissodactyla
  • Family: Equidae
  • Genus: Equus
  • Species: Equus zebra
Grevy’s Zebra –
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Perissodactyla
  • Family: Equidae
  • Genus: Equus
  • Species: Equus grevyi
Quagga –
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Vertebrata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Perissodactyla
  • Family: Equidae
  • Genus: Equus
  • Species: Equus quagga

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