All information about the zebra

Species of zebras

There are currently three species of zebra:

• Steppezebra

• Grévy zebra

• Bergzebra

Steppe zebra (Equus quagga)

The steppe zebra is the most common zebra species and has several subspecies:

• Grant zebra (Equus quagga boehmi)

• Quagga (Equus quagga quagga) †

• Burchellzebra (Equus quagga burchellii)

• Chapmanzebra (Equus quagga chapmani)

• Selouszebra (Equus quagga borensis)

• Crawshays zebra (Equus quagga crawshayi)

You can recognize this zebra species by the broad black and brownish stripes that continue on their bellies. It is the only zebra species with stripes on their belly. In addition, the steppe zebra has small, pointed ears. Steppe zebra numbers are declining, but it is not yet threatened with extinction. On the IUCN Red List, the steppe zebra is labeled "sensitive.

Grevy zebra (Equus grevyi)

The Grévy zebra is the largest species of zebra. It can be recognized by its thinner stripes that do not continue on the belly. In addition, it has large round ears. The Grévy zebra is an endangered species and lives only in Ethiopia and Kenya. The population of this zebra has been stable for some time.

Mountain zebra (Equus zebra)

The mountain zebra is very rare and is found only in southwest Africa. Compared to the other zebra species, the mountain zebra has three or four large horizontal stripes on its buttocks. Also, this zebra has no stripes on its belly. The mountain zebra has two subspecies:

• Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra)

• Hartmann's mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae)

The Cape mountain zebra is smaller than the Hartmann's mountain zebra and has thicker stripes. The mountain zebra is an endangered species.

At Beekse Bergen you will find the Grévy zebra and the grant zebra. You spot them during a bus, car or walking safari.

Is a zebra black and white or white and black?

Many people think that a zebra is white and black because of its white belly. However, nothing could be further from the truth. A zebra is black and white! How exactly is this possible? Ranger Floor explains it all to you!

A group of zebras

A group of zebras is also called a herd. They often live together with other animals, such as wildebeest and ostriches. A zebra herd often consists of several harems. The harems consist of several mares with their foals and a few stallions.

Reproduction of a zebra

Zebras of the same species mate with each other. As soon as a mare wants to mate, a stallion can smell it from her urine. This is only short-lived, so the male has to get there quickly. A mare is pregnant between 11 and 13 months, after which they almost always give birth to one young.

A zebra foal

A zebra cub, or foal, weighs about 35 pounds at birth and has brown stripes. Within 10 minutes, a foal can stand on its legs. After an hour, he can already walk and run. In nature, this is very useful, because a foal is an incredibly easy prey.

Enemies of the zebra

Zebras are an important prey for lions and hyenas. When zebras are attacked, they protect each other by acting in groups. Their striped skin confuses a predator. A zebra also steps toward the predator. This does not always mean they survive the hunt. Another threat to the zebra is humans. There is a great loss of habitat due to grazing by cattle, zebras have less access to watering holes as a result, the zebra is hunted, and they get sick from cattle that are not vaccinated against Anthrax, for example. As a result, the Grévy Zebra is under threat.

The role of zoos is to preserve and protect of endangered species. European parks work closely together to achieve this goal and do so with an management program (EEP). The Grévy zebra is also part of this. In this way, a healthy reserve population is maintained. Find out more about species conservation and our role here here.

Conservation

Not only zebras, but many of the animal species you see in our park are endangered and struggling in their original habitats. Did you know that worldwide more than 4,000 animal species threatened with extinction are endangered? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how? Then click here.

Wildlife Foundation

The Wildlife Foundation supports Marwell Wildlife, helping to protect zebras in the wild. They do this through 12 scouts who provide education in schools and conduct research on zebras. In addition, Wildlife Kids Camps are organized for children ages 10 to 14 and various workshops are held to promote conservation. Want to know more about the Wildlife Foundation? Then click here.

Why does a zebra have stripes?

At first glance, all zebras look alike. However, the stripes of zebras are very unique. But why does a zebra have stripes? Some say it serves as camouflage, while others think it serves a confusing function for enemies of the zebra.

Why do a zebra's mane actually stand upright? Ranger Floor explains this in in this Ranger Request.

Habitat of the zebra

The zebra lives mainly on the savannas, grasslands and in the forests of Africa. There, hundreds of zebras live together in herds. They often live together with ostriches and wildebeests. Together, they all work to keep the animals safe.

What does a zebra eat?

A zebra mainly eats grass. They eat the tall, dry grass that grows on savannas. Thanks to its good molars, the food is easy to grind. In the rainy season there is plenty of grass growing on the savannas, making it easy to get food. When it is dry for an extended period of time, zebras must travel long distances for grass. A zebra only drinks once or twice a day, but when necessary they can go two days without water.

What kind of sound does a zebra make?

A zebra's sound is called beckoning. It is a sound that is between the whinnying of a horse and the balking of a donkey.