African Zebra

Plains Zebra (Equus quagaa) found throughout the grasslands of Africa.

The African zebra is easily distinguished from its relative the horse by the African zebra’s distinctive black and white striped pattern.  However, like the horse, the African zebra sleeps standing up.

The African zebra is a highly social animal; however the social structure depends upon the species. Of the three species of African zebras the Mountain zebra (Equus zebra) and the Plains zebra (Equus quagga) are the most social, living in groups consisting of one male (i.e. stallion) and up to six females (i.e. mares) and their babies (i.e. foals).

Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra) found in some mountain regions in southern Africa.

Young bachelor males may live alone or in groups with other bachelor males until they are old enough and strong enough to challenge a stallion that has grown weak with age. When a group of zebras are attacked by predators they will often huddle together with the baby zebra in the middle of the group.

The Grevy’s zebra (Equss grevyi) is less social, rarely staying together in groups for more than a few months. Both the Grevy’s zebra and the Mountain zebra are considered endangered species.

Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) found in a few areas in Ethiopia and Northern Kenya.