Zebra | nieoo

General Information

The Zebra is a wild equine native to Africa and is closely related to horses and donkeys.
They are best known for their distinct black-and-white striped coats, which serve as camouflage.
There are three main species of zebra: Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra), and Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi).
Zebras are herbivores that primarily feed on grasses but also eat leaves and bark.
Unlike horses, zebras have never been truly domesticated due to their strong, unpredictable nature.

Zebras have muscular bodies built for speed and endurance.
Their distinctive black and white stripes help in confusing predators and regulating body temperature.
No two zebras have the same stripe pattern, making each individual unique.
They have large, powerful legs capable of delivering strong kicks to defend themselves.
Zebras have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years in the wild and longer in captivity.

Zebras primarily inhabit grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands across Africa.
Plains zebras are the most widespread, while Mountain zebras prefer rocky terrains.
Zebras are highly adaptable and can survive in areas with limited water sources.
They migrate in search of food and water, often traveling great distances.
Zebras have excellent night vision, which helps them detect predators even in darkness.

Zebras are grazing herbivores that feed mainly on grass, shrubs, and bark.
They have strong teeth and jaws to chew tough vegetation.
Zebras need to drink water daily and often live near water sources.
They can digest low-quality food better than domestic horses.

Zebras are highly social animals that live in groups called herds.
A zebra herd is usually led by a dominant stallion, with several females and their offspring.
They form strong family bonds and protect each other from predators.
During migrations, zebras may form massive groups with other herbivores, such as wildebeests.
Zebras communicate using vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions.

The breeding season varies depending on the species and region.
The gestation period lasts around 12 to 13 months, after which a single foal is born.
Foals can stand and walk within an hour of birth, helping them escape predators.
They rely on their mothers for milk and protection for several months.
Zebras reach maturity at around 3 to 6 years of age.

Zebras face threats from lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
Their primary defense mechanism is their speed, as they can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph).
They rely on their sharp eyesight and strong hearing to detect predators early.
Zebras use their powerful kick to injure or kill attackers.
They often stay in groups, as predators find it harder to isolate an individual zebra.

Some zebra species, such as the Grevy’s zebra, are considered endangered due to habitat loss.
Major threats include poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.
Conservation efforts include protected reserves and national parks in Africa.
Eco-tourism plays a role in zebra conservation by funding wildlife protection.

Each zebra’s stripe pattern is as unique as a human fingerprint.
Zebras have a strong sense of loyalty to their herd and will defend injured members.
They roll in dust and mud to protect their skin from parasites.
Despite their horse-like appearance, zebras have a different skeletal structure and are harder to tame.
The name "zebra" comes from the Portuguese word "zebro," meaning wild horse.