Plains zebras
With its black-and-white stripes, the plains zebra is one of the savanna's best-known animals and lives in large herds. Every zebra's stripe pattern is unique.
- Altura
- 1,1–1,5 m
- Peso
- 175–390 kg
- Longevidade na natureza
- 20–25 anos
- Estado de conservação (UICN)
- Quase ameaçado (NT)
Valores aproximados para adultos; variam com o sexo, a subespécie e a população.
Num relance
Os factos principais sobre Zebras.
- Where does it live?It lives in the savannas and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.
- What does it eat?It is a herbivore that mostly eats grass.
- Behaviour and social lifeZebras live in stable family groups of one stallion, several mares and their young.
- FoalsPregnancy lasts about a year and usually a single foal is born.
Em detalhe
Em resumo
- The plains zebra is the most common zebra species.
- Every zebra's stripe pattern is unique.
- Family groups consist of a stallion, several mares and their foals.
- It forms huge herds with antelopes during seasonal migrations.
- The IUCN lists it as Near Threatened; habitat loss and hunting are the main threats.
The plains zebra (Equus quagga) is a herbivore related to horses and known for its black-and-white stripes. It is the most widespread of the three zebra species. The purpose of the stripes has long been debated; research offers strong evidence that they make it harder for biting flies to land.
Where does it live?
It lives in the savannas and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. Because it needs water regularly, it does not stray far from water sources.
What does it eat?
It is a herbivore that mostly eats grass. Because it can eat tough, tall grass, it helps create the shorter grass that more selective grazers prefer.
Behaviour and social life
Zebras live in stable family groups of one stallion, several mares and their young. These family groups can come together in herds of thousands. In the Serengeti–Mara region they join the great migrations that follow the rains together with wildebeest.
Foals
Pregnancy lasts about a year and usually a single foal is born. The foal can stand and walk soon after birth. In the first days the mother keeps other zebras away so the foal learns her pattern and scent.
Conservation status
The plains zebra is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss to farming and settlement, competition with livestock for grazing and water, and hunting for meat and skins are the main threats.
Fun facts
- A zebra's skin is dark; the white stripes come from its hair.
- A herd full of striped zebras may make it harder for predators to focus on a single target.
- Zebras have never been widely domesticated the way horses were.
Animais semelhantes
Outros animais do mesmo grupo.
Respeito pela natureza, amanhãs mais fortes
Proteger a vida selvagem é responsabilidade de todos.
Se encontrar um animal selvagem ferido ou uma cria, não lhe toque e avise a autoridade local de conservação da natureza. Mais conhecimento, mais consciência.
- Respeite os habitats naturais
- Observe os animais à distância
- Não deixe lixo na natureza
- Apoie um futuro sustentável
