Zebra
Equus quagga
Quick answer
The zebra is a wild member of the horse family native to Africa, instantly recognizable by its bold black-and-white stripes, which are as unique to each animal as a fingerprint. Plains zebras live in social herds, can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph), and typically live around 25 years in the wild. The stripes are thought to deter biting flies and confuse predators.
Zebra facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Equus quagga |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Savanna, grassland, and open plains |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years in the wild |
| Weight | 200–450 kg (440–990 lb) |
| Top speed | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Perissodactyla |
| Family | Equidae |
| Genus | Equus |
Why the stripes?
No two zebras have the same stripe pattern. Scientists believe the stripes help in several ways: they deter biting flies that struggle to land on striped surfaces, they make it harder for predators to single out one animal in a moving herd, and they may help with temperature regulation.
Herd life
Plains zebras live in family groups of a stallion, several mares, and their foals, which often gather into much larger herds, sometimes alongside wildebeest. There is safety in numbers, and the herd's combined senses help detect lions and hyenas. Zebras groom one another to strengthen social bonds.
On the move
Zebras are grazers that follow the rains in search of fresh grass, joining some of Africa's great migrations. They can run at up to 65 km/h (40 mph) and deliver a powerful kick strong enough to break a predator's jaw, their main defense alongside flight.
Conservation
The plains zebra is the most common zebra but is now listed as Near Threatened due to hunting and habitat loss. Other species fare worse: the Grevy's zebra is Endangered. Protecting migration routes and reserves is key to keeping zebra populations healthy.
Frequently asked questions about the Zebra
Are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes?
Zebras are black with white stripes. Their underlying skin is black, and the white stripes are areas where pigment is absent, so the black is considered the base color.
Why do zebras have stripes?
Stripes likely deter biting flies, confuse predators by making it hard to target one animal in a herd, and may help regulate body temperature. Each zebra's pattern is unique.
How fast can a zebra run?
Zebras can run up to about 65 km/h (40 mph) and use sharp, zigzagging turns plus a powerful kick to escape predators such as lions and hyenas.
Can zebras be tamed or ridden like horses?
Not reliably. Although zebras are related to horses, they are skittish, aggressive, and difficult to handle, so they have never been domesticated for riding or work the way horses have.
Where do zebras live?
Zebras live in the savannas, grasslands, and open plains of eastern and southern Africa, where they graze and migrate in search of fresh grass and water.
