Overview
The plains zebra (or Equus quagga) is native to Eastern and Southern Africa, preferring to live in easy reach of water sources on the savannah. The species is divided into six subspecies, separated due to different features, usually varying strip patterns, and lack of interbreeding between groups. Plains zebra have the black and white stripes famous of all zebra, but are smaller than Grévy's zebra and larger than mountain zebra. Males and females can both be 1.10m to 1.45m in height, and between 2.17m and 2.46m in length, although males are generally 10% larger than females. Males are also heavier at 220kg to 320kg, compared to females at 175kg to 250kg.
Found in Africa
Regions
- Africa
Biomes
- Savannah
Size & weight
Size
Shoulder height: 1.2 m
Measured as Shoulder height. The person stands 1.75 m tall for scale.
Habitat requirements
Barrier grade
Grade 2 of 5
Minimum height
1.25 m minimum
Climbing & water
Climb proof
Not needed
Water barrier
Not allowed
Combine this animal with others in the barrier planner.
Conservation
IUCN Red List
Near threatened
Least concern
Critically endangered
Wild population
150,000
150,000-250,000 in the wild. Rank 42 of 57 species with a known count, smallest first.
Plains zebras’ conservation status is Near Threatened, as they face habitat fragmentation and competition over grazing resources with livestock due to urban and agricultural expansion. In some regions, poaching for zebra skins and meat poses an additional threat. Although plains zebras are more adaptable and widespread than other zebra species, localised population declines have been a consequence of these pressures; one subspecies of plains zebra (the quagga) was hunted to extinction in 1878. Conservationists focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable land-use planning. Many zebras live within National Parks where they are protected, though they are a far-ranging species and may leave protected areas during migrations. Translocation and reintroduction programmes have successfully bolstered populations with previous decline, and community initiatives help manage livestock grazing competition. Organisations like IUCN and WWF support conservation efforts with research, funding, and guidance to ensure the long-term survival of wild plains zebras.
Zoopedia sketchbook
Social & reproduction
Keeper notes
Plains zebra live in cohesive herds in the wild, which can be composed of several harems that consist of one stallion, several females and their young offspring. Young males that have not yet gained their own harem live in 'bachelor herds'. Females within a harem have a hierarchy depending on how long they have been with the stallion; the female that joined the stallion first is the alpha female. Male zebra 'acquire' a young female by approaching her while in her family herd when she first reaches sexual maturity. He must challenge, fight and subdue her father to 'win' the female, who will then join him. Other males may also attempt to steal her. The stallion that first mates with the female is the one she will remain with. Female zebra are pregnant for 12 to 14 months and give birth to one foal. Female foals remain with their natal herd until they join an unrelated male, whereas male foals leave their mother when she has another foal to join a bachelor herd of other young males.
Animal facts
- Zebra recognise each other by their different stripe patterns.
- Zebra sleep standing up and take 'watches' during sleep to look out for predators.
- The reason for a zebra's stripes is still debated; it may be for camouflage in grass and shade (especially for foals), for motion camouflage to confuse predators when the herd runs, as a deterrent to parasites, or for social recognition.
- Zebra females in a harem are aggressive towards new females, who must be protected by the stallion until tension subsides.
- Zebra herds move to follow the rain and may migrate up to 1600 kilometres to remain close to food and water.
Taxonomy
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Order
Family
Genus
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