Prey for lions and hyenas, zebras are constantly on the lookout for danger.
No animal has a more distinctive coat than the zebra. Each
animal's stripes are as unique as fingerprints—no two are exactly
alike—although each of the three species has its own general pattern.
Why
do zebras have stripes at all? Scientists aren't sure, but many
theories center on their utility as some form of camouflage. The
patterns may make it difficult for predators to identify a single animal
from a running herd and distort distance at dawn and dusk. Or they may
dissuade insects that recognize only large areas of single-colored fur
or act as a kind of natural sunscreen. Because of their uniqueness,
stripes may also help zebras recognize one another.
Zebras are social animals that spend time in herds. They graze together, primarily on grass, and even groom one another.
Plains
(Burchell's) zebras are the most common species. They live in small
family groups consisting of a male (stallion), several females, and
their young. These units may combine with others to form awe-inspiring
herds thousands of head strong, but family members will remain close
within the herd.
Zebras must be constantly wary of lions and
hyenas. A herd has many eyes alert to danger. If an animal is attacked,
its family will come to its defense, circling the wounded zebra and
attempting to drive off predators.
Fast Facts
- Type:
- Mammal
- Diet:
- Herbivore
- Average life span in the wild:
- 25 years
- Size:
- Height at the shoulder, 3.5 to 5 ft (1.1 to 1.5 m)
- Weight:
- 440 to 990 lbs (200 to 450 kg)
- Group name:
- Herd
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