Information and inspirational quotes[]
I'm so hungry, I can eat a whole zebra.
~ Simba the Lion (The Lion King).
The iconic plains zebra (Equus burchelli) is the most abundant and conspicuous of all Africa’s grazing animals. This species exhibits a large degree of diversity, and is currently separated into six subspecies based on variations in features such as coat patterning, the presence of a mane, extent of stripe coverage and body size. The plains zebra typically possesses relatively broad black stripes, which are vertical on the body, but become horizontal on the hindquarters. The presence of horizontal stripes on the legs and rump is, however, variable, with the extent of leg striping diminishing from the north to the south of the species' range. In some populations there may also be faint brown 'shadow' stripes between the main stripes. Various theories have been put forward to explain the function of zebra stripes, including dazzling predators and temperature regulation, but the most plausible theory appears to be that they serve a social function, stimulating group cohesion and grooming behavior. Other methods of plains zebra communication include facial expressions, body movements, and sounds, such as a braying bark. An adaptable species, the plains zebra is capable of surviving in areas with coarse vegetation of little nutritional value, and is found at elevations up to 4,300 m. Although it has disappeared from many parts of its range, the plains zebra remains the most widespread and abundant equid on Earth. The plains zebra is often the first species to colonize unexploited areas of grassland and is capable of traveling long distances to do so.
Lifespan[]
The lifespan of the zebra is 20 years in the wild. Up to 30 years in zoos.
Diet[]
The diet of the plains zebras is usually grass and leaves.
Vocalizations[]
Unlike horses, Plains zebras don't neigh or whinny and have at least 6 different vocal calls including barks and brays. A two-syllable call is used to alert herd members to predators while snorts indicate happiness. They also use facial expressions to communicate. Here are the video examples of what they sound like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f_Wu_91tU0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiAJ5dxC5LI, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iev1me2TSnE, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OODLdHwQSk and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX4P3bgPu7E.
Natural predators[]
The main natural predators to the zebra are lions, Nile crocodiles and spotted hyenas.
Speed[]
The speed of the zebra is 60 to 70 km/h (37-43 mph).
Habitat[]
The habitat that plains zebras live in Africa are the treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands.
Gallery[]
Videos[]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5stiE_eT_g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G9TfjaitFs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emCLUAghyAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnyGnYpfW9Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLEhFFQrNDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjPc-ow44TE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmfYHBxJZ-4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMARlVBTUWw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t8wnMBZTeg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43G5WQQRH9U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi3IxAwgFf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQflspvoMvs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wzkx8p26Kk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9388sOLNZ4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9po9CGflu6I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGYacqQdK0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqlPejQteKw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOJTGrzKc7U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DZDBWZs8uY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUUKaOuX9Bg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJy3n-zGM7M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGdaiuDh4Is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoshSBjLYfY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU_fUHSvX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrh6ae-V_f4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzHfw0YBym4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXmmyAaWTqw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK8O0yXxGUI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_8OB84stvM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1e-MwQAMdI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnnbsM1ucL4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD-p9BYIJJg
See Subspecies[]
See also[]
- Marty from Dreamworks Madagascar series
- Zecora from My Little Pony:Friendship is Magic.