Zebras are single- hoofed animals that are native to Africa. Zebras are very closely related to horses and donkeys; in fact, they are in the same genus, Equus. The most prominent feature of zebras is the bold patterns on their coats. However, zebras have black skin under their white coats! The Grevy's zebra has very thin stripes. The mountain zebra has vertical stripes on its neck and torso, but horizontal stripes on its haunches. Some subspecies of plains zebras have brownish . When zebras stand together, it is harder for predators to determine how many zebras are in the group. The stripes may also make the zebra appear unattractive to smaller predators, such as bloodsucking horseflies, which can spread disease. In addition, the stripes may work as a natural sunscreen. Just as no two human fingerprints are alike, no two zebras have the same stripe pattern. Size. The largest zebra is the Grevy's zebra, according to the San Diego Zoo. It weighs 7. 70 to 9. Their thick bodies make them look like mules with stripes. Habitat. Though they all live in Africa, each species of zebra has its own home area. Plains zebras live in the treeless grasslands and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. The Grevy's zebra lives in in the arid grasslands of Ethiopia and northern Kenya. The mountain zebra is found in South Africa, Namibia and Angola. Habits. Plains zebras and mountain zebras live in family groups led by a stallion, with several mares and offspring. Family groups (known as harems) sometimes get together to form loosely associated herds, according to the San Diego Zoo. However, Grevy's zebras don't have herds. Instead, stallions establish territories and mares cross into them to breed and give birth. Once the foals are old enough to travel, they and their mothers move on. Facial expressions, such as wide- open eyes or bared teeth, all mean something. They also bark, bray, snort or huff to get their point across. ![]() ![]() Even the position of their ears can signal their feelings, according to the San Diego Zoo. For example, ears flattened back means trouble. Another habit of zebras is mutual grooming, which they do to strengthen their bonds with each other. When danger approaches, the stallion will alert the others with a high- pitched snort, according to the University of Michigan. He will stand his ground while the rest of the family runs away in zigzag fashion. If he must fight, he will lower his head with neck outstretched and teeth bared, prepared to bite. However, running away is the usual tactic, sometimes accompanied by a defensive kick. The kick can be powerful, though, and can cause serious injury to a predator. Diet. Zebras eat mostly grass and will travel up to 1,8. African Wildlife Foundation. Some zebras also eat leaves and twigs. Offspring. Female zebras carry their young for a gestation period of 1. Baby zebras are called foals. When they are born, foals weigh around 5. San Diego Zoo. Soon after birth, foals are able to stand up and walk. ![]() The young zebra gets its nutrition from its mother's milk and will continue to nurse throughout its first year. Zebras become fully mature at 3 to 6 years old and will have a lifespan of around 2. Classification/taxonomy. Some experts say that there are three species of zebras — Grevy's zebra, plains zebra and mountain zebra — and that Hartmann's zebra is a subspecies of mountain zebra. Other experts say Hartmann's zebra is a separate species. The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), a service of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, on the other hand, lists four species. ITIS, however, lists six subspecies of plains zebra. According to the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species, the plains zebra is not endangered, while the mountain zebra is considered vulnerable and the Grevy's zebra is endangered. The Red List also lists Hartmann's zebra (as a subspecies of mountain zebra) as vulnerable. According to the IUCN, the mountain zebra has a population of only around 9,0. The Grevy's zebra has a population of just 1,9. This article will guide you toward a better understanding of cheetah facts for kids including cheetah habitat, diet, species, and reproduction. Two Chapman’s zebras were first exhibited at the San Diego Zoo in 1924, followed by a Grevy’s zebra male received in October 1940. Today, the Zoo is home to a. Get ready for the most exciting zebra facts for kids including zebra habitat, diet, behavior, and its characteristics. Here is all what you want to know about zebra.
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