It begins with little pushing contests but often escalates. Zebras rear and bite at the neck, tear at knees, or thrust hindlegs at faces and chests. Females indulge in more peaceful activities like mutual grooming to stabilize relationships.
Dominant hierarchies do exist among females.
A high rank allows first access to prize food and water. All photos contained herein are copyrighted and are not to be reproduced for commercial use without John H. Fields' expressed permission.