Two wild zebras looking directly into the camera

Zebras

Equus quagga, Equus grevyi,
Equus zebra

Why are zebras important?

Zebras eat a variety of grass species in different habitats. They can eat tough, long grasses that other species cannot and, therefore, they can ‘prepare’ a habitat for other grazers who only eat short grasses.

Their foraging behaviour helps increase species diversity. When they migrate, they also play an important role in moving nutrients to different ecosystems through their dung 

Key Zebra Facts

Zebra illustration

IUCN STATUS

Plains zebra (Equus quagga) – Near Threatened; Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi ) Endangered; Mountain zebra (Equus zebra) Vulnerable 

Zebra illustration

POPULATION

Plains zebra: ~500,000* (~150,000-250,000 mature individuals), declining; Grevy’s zebra: ~2,680* (~1,956 mature individuals), stable; Mountain zebra: ~34,979* mature individuals, increasing. Last assessed 2016-2018

* According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

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DIET

Herbivorous  

Zebra illustration

HABITAT

Savannah, forests, shrublands

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RANGE

Eastern and Southern Africa

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SIZE

Weight: 200-450kg, body length: 2.5-3 metres, shoulder height: 1.351.5 metres. 

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THREATS

Habitat loss, poaching and hunting 

A young zebra running away from its herd

Plain’s zebra (Equus quagga) (c) George Logan

Did you know?!

A group of zebras is commonly called a ‘dazzle’, named for the motion dazzle effect created by a group of running zebras. 

How to recognise a zebra

Zebras are part of the horse family. There are three species of zebra found in the wild including the plains zebra, the Grevy’s zebra and the mountain zebra. Within these three species are multiple subspecies including six subspecies of plains zebra and two subspecies of mountain zebra.

There are some differences in appearance between the zebra species, but they are all easily recognisable with their distinctive striped markings which can be black or dark brown with white or creamy coloured stripes. Each zebra has a completely unique pattern of markings that can be used to identify individuals. There are several schools of thought to explain the stripes; they help camouflage zebras; they help cool the body; they are used in communication; and they help prevent biting or stinging flies. In all subspecies males are slightly larger than females.

Where do zebras live?

The plains zebra, which is the most common and widespread subspecies, is found in most terrains except rainforest and deserts. However, zebras are typically only found inside protected areas. The Grevy’s zebra, which is only found in the Horn of Africa, specifically in Ethiopia and Kenya, lives in arid and semi-arid grasslands and shrublands. The mountain zebra, found in South Africa, Namibia and Angola, lives in rugged, mountainous areas.

 

A group of zebra grazing in grassland

Plain’s zebra (Equus quagga) – paler ‘shadow’ stripes on its rump and stripes extending under belly (c) Simona Marinkova, Unsplash

Zebra behaviour

Zebras are a migratory animal, moving across large distances to find food. Due to this movement, zebras are not territorial, and their home ranges will shift seasonally. They are highly social animals and live in family groups. Zebras have a ‘harem’ structure meaning that there is a single adult male, also known as a stallion, and one or more adult females and their offspring. Young males will stay with the harem until they reach sexual maturity and then leave either to remain alone, join bachelor groups or find their own harem. The stallion will lead his harem until his death or when he is unseated by younger males. However, harems may live amongst each other, coming together to congregate.

Zebras display many social behaviours including biting and chasing, neck wrestling, social grooming, head resting, greeting ceremonies, play and even defecation ceremonies. They also have several vocalisations that convey messages including alarm calls, snorts, squeals and barking sounds.

 

Two zebras fighting

Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) – white belly, finer stripes, large ears (c) George Logan

Are zebras endangered?

Yes, according to the IUCN two out of three species of zebras are threatened with extinction. Grevy’s zebras have ‘Endangered’ status, mountain zebras are ‘Vulnerable’ and plains zebras are ‘Near Threatened’.

How many zebras are left in the world?

There are estimated to be 500,000 plains zebras in the world, with 150,000-250,000 mature individuals; 34,979 mountain zebra (mature individuals only); and just 2,680 Grevy’s zebra, with 1,956 of those being mature individuals.

Why are zebras endangered animals?

There are several reasons why zebras are endangered – please use the drop-down menus below to find out more about the biggest threats to zebras.

Zebra populations are declining in their range due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Zebras are losing their habitat because of human activities such as infrastructure development, agricultural expansion and livestock encroachment.

With increased fragmentation (losing the connectivity between zebra habitats), some zebra populations become more isolated and there is an increased risk of inbreeding. Habitat degradation also results in the loss of zebra migratory corridors, and increased competition with livestock for forage and water is also contributing to population decline.

Zebras are hunted and killed for their skins and meat, in some areas commercially, in others through illegal poaching. The rate they are killed may exceed their population growth, causing significant reduction in population numbers.

What is Born Free doing to help zebras?

Born Free works to protect zebras from the threats they face, both in the wild and in captivity.

Field Conservation

Within our Saving Meru’s Giants programme in Kenya, our dedicated Twiga Team removes deadly snares and prevents illegal poaching activity in Meru National Park, home to the plains zebra as well as the rare Grevy’s zebra, helping to protect the populations here from further decline.
A group of zebra stand in fluorescent lights in a circus

Captive Animals

Around the world, zebras are kept in captivity, as well as used for human entertainment in circuses and shows. Since 1984, Born Free has challenged the global zoo industry. We are wholly opposed to the use of wild animals in circuses and the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment, and campaign to end this cruelty.
A zebra standing on the grass. It looks as if it's smiling.

Will you help Born Free protect zebras?

By becoming a Born Free supporter, you could help fund our conservation work in Kenya, benefitting all wild animals including zebras.

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