Zebra (Equidae Equus)

Length: 6-9 feet
Weight: 600-800 pounds
Gestation: 12.5 to 13 months
Litter Size: 1 fawn
Height: 4 feet

Physical Features

A zebra has black and white stripes that curve upward on haunches and has a white belly. The stripes serve as a disruptive pattern when herds run to escape a predator and as a social signal. Individuals differ from one another in stripe pattern. The Zebra's mane is prominent and erect, it has a long narrow head and broad prominent ears. The large ears can rotate to pick up sounds from many direction. Large eyes set far back on the head give a wide field of view. Also if spotted by a predator the zebra has long legs and hooves that help the zebra run fast.

Daily life, habitat and feeding

Zebra's live in sub-desert, plains and arid and bushy grassland. The Zebra feeds on coarse grass, sedges, bark, leaves, buds, fruits, roots. Zebra's live in herds mostly consisting of females and young. Their herd also lives with giraffe herds and antelope. Most of the adult males live alone in large territories marked by dung.

Reproduction and Cubs

After a period of 12.5-13 months a single calf is born. The calf quickly learns to walk. The mother keeps the calf nearby when the calf is first born to memorize the stripes on her body and to keep the zebra from coming in contact with lions, cheetahs, leopards, or hyenas. Young are usually produced every two years.

Status

The zebra is listed as threatened and is protected by CITES.

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