Zebra
Equus quagga
- IUCN StatusNear threatened
- Populationapproximately 500,000
- DietHerbivores. They will eat grass, and sometimes leaves, shrubs, twigs and bark too.
- GroupDazzle
- Size200-260cm length/ 100-150cm height.
- ContinentAfrica
- Lifespan25 years
- Weight300kgs
- HabitatAfrican Plain
- Scientific NameEquus quagga
Meet the Zebra
Our planet is home to three different species of zebra, the plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra and mountain zebra, all three species are native to Africa.
The plains zebra, as found at Wolds Wildlife Park, is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. The stripes are broader on plains zebras compared to other species and continue onto the animals mane, which has stiff erect hair. The popular belief was that zebras were white with black stripes, however, it has now been proven scientifically that they are actually black with white stripes.
Plains zebras are nomadic, non-territorial social animals that form permanent family units. These are harem-based groups, consisting of a single dominant male called a stallion as well as up to 6 females with their offspring. When the stallion leaves the group or is killed, the group does not disperse, instead, they wait until another alpha male takes over.
Being prey for many predictors it helps that adult zebras can run at speeds of 65 km per hour & that new-born foals can stand after six minutes.
Plains Zebra diet consists of grass, leaves and stems which classifies them as herbivores. Zebra's back teeth grow throughout their life in order for them to grind the food they eat. Zebra will travel hundreds of miles in search of vital resources such as food and water.
Introducing....
our dazzle of zebras at Wolds Wildlife Park
Did you know?
Here are just some of the many things to know about Zebras
Are zebras related to horses?
Zebras are members of the horse family & are ungulates with odd toes. They walk on tiptoe on a single central toe. The hoof (an enlarged toenail) protects this single toe.
How does a zebra defend itself from predators?
Like horses, zebras have four gaits: walk, trot, canter and gallop. At a gallop they can reach speeds of up to 35mph & their powerful backward kick, given in self-defence, can break a lion’s jaw.
Can zebras be cross-breed with other equines?
Yes! If a zebra is cross-bred with any other equine they produce a hybrid genus called a zebroid. These animals usually have stripes on some parts of their body, and they will inherit the color of the non-zebra parent.
There are individual names for each type of zebroid depending on which animals have been cross-bred.
A zebra and ass will produce a zebrass
A zebra and donkey will produce a zonkey
A zebra and horse will produce a zorse
A zebra and pony will produce a zony
How is a zebras social structure organised?
Zebras live in small, hierarchical family groups called a herd or a dazzle. Each group comprises of a stallion with a harem of mares and their foals. The dominant mare generally leads the group. The others follow in single file, according to rank, each with her foal directly behind her. The stallion usually brings up the rear, though may take the lead in dangerous situations.
Why do zebras have stripes?
There are many theories to explain zebra’s stripes. Some believe that they confuse a charging predator trying to select a target from a fleeing herd. Others suggest that they allow individuals to distinguish each other.
There is also the idea that the stripes deter biting flies, and even help the animals to withstand the intense African sun as the contrast between black, which soaks up sunlight, and white, which reflects it, helps them remain cool. Each zebras stripes are unique like a human fingerprint.
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