Zebra Facts

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