How Many Zebra Species Are There? | Animals - mom.me How Many Zebra Species Are There? Zebras form large herds to investigate new feeding areas. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images There are three species of zebra: Burchell's or the plains zebra, Grevy's zebra and the mountain zebra. Although each species looks similar, there are differences in appearance. Zebra of all species prefer to live in open grassland, and you'll find them in Eastern Africa, particularly in Kenya, and in parts of southern Africa, especially around the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. Zebra Species Like horses and asses, zebras belong to the equid family. The main characteristics shared by the group are that they are long-lived, fast movers with large teeth suitable for chewing anything herbivorous. Zebra, regardless of species, live approximately 25 years in the wild and up to 40 in captivity. The zebra looks similar to a horse, except he has a short, tufted mane and those distinctive stripes.

Each zebra species has its own general stripe pattern, but more fascinatingly, every zebra has his own unique stripe pattern, in the way that a person has a unique set of fingerprints. Scientists offer a few suggestions about the purpose of a zebra's stripes. They may act as camouflage or like sunscreen, or they may keep flies away or help zebras to recognize each other according to the National Geographic. Burchell's Zebra As is typical in the sciences, two species of zebra are named after the scientists who discovered and identified them. Burchell's zebra, which also is referred to as the plains zebra, is the most numerous of the three species. One of the best places to see plains zebra is in the Serengeti park in Tanzania, according to the African Wildlife Foundation. The plains zebra likes to live in smallish units consisting of a stallion, a few mares and their young. These small units occasionally get together with others to form spectacularly enormous herds. These herds usually are the first to enter new grazing pastures, particularly wetlands. They trample down the long vegetation so the gazelle and wildebeest can follow.

Grevy's Zebra Grevy's zebra is larger than Burchell's, weighing between 770 and 990 pounds compared to 485 to 550 pounds for a Burchell's zebra. Two features distinguish it from the other zebra species: it has a longer mane and larger ears. The Grevy is only about 5 inches taller than Burchell's zebra, which indicates that Burchell's zebra has a much stockier body. Perhaps that is why the Romans used Grevy's zebra, which they called hippotigris, to pull carts in circuses. Grevy's zebra are found mostly in northern Kenya, but in substantially reduced numbers. There are only around 2,500 Grevy's in Africa compared to 15,000 just a few decades ago, according to the AWF. Converting grazing land to agricultural use is one major threat to these animals. The Mountain Zebra The mountain zebra has two subspecies: Hartmann's and the Cape mountain zebra. These species mostly live in southern Africa, particularly Namibia and western South Africa.

Compared to Burchell's and Grevy's zebra, this species prefers mountainous areas. His stripes are thinner and more numerous than those of the Burchell's zebra, and he has broad stripes on his rump that distinguish him from the other two species. He also has a fold of skin on his throat, called a dewlap, that other zebras don't have. Both subspecies are classified as endangered. In the past hunting decimated herds, but land cultivation now is a bigger threat. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Author Based in London, Eleanor McKenzie has been writing lifestyle-related books and articles since 1998. Her articles have appeared in the "Palm Beach Times" and she is the author of numerous books published by Hamlyn U.K., including "Healing Reiki" and "Pilates System." She holds a Master of Arts in informational studies from London University. See More Animals Grevy's Zebra-Endangered animals list-Our endangered animals | KONICA MINOLTA Endangered animals list Here you can search for an animal by the first letter of its name. Sorry, currently there are no matches for []. Please search again. Your search found types of animals.

Grevy's Zebra Equus Grevyi Click the image to expand Grevy's Zebra is hunted for its beautiful hide and so it has had a shocking drop in numbers. In addition, domesticated animals are becoming larger in number so food and water supply is getting lower. Body length: 2.5-2.6m (Source: Doubutsu Sekai-isan* Red Data Animals Kodansha) (*World Animal Heritage) Nowadays, Grevy's Zebra can only be found in Kenya and some parts of Ethiopia. The Grevy's Zebra eats things like grass, roots, and tree bark mostly. It can also eat hard seeds that other animals don't eat. Grevy's Zebra can live in areas where there is little water. It can even go for about three days without drinking any water. Grevy's Zebra can sometimes find water flowing underground with its great sense of smell. Find out more about the Grevy's Zebra! Grevy's Zebra, the most beautiful of zebras is hunted for its fur. Among their kinds who were hunted for their hides, Grevy's Zebra is the largest kind of zebra.

The Grevy's Zebra's pattern is like a painting, so it is called the most beautiful of zebras. However, its beauty is its sadness, because it is hunted for its hide. Its numbers keep becoming lower and lower. Because of larger numbers of domesticated animals, the Grevy's Zebras are running out of food ... Today, the surviving wild Grevy's Zebras are protected in national parks. The Grevy's Zebra has other things to worry about. Domesticated animals are growing in number, and the grass that the zebra eats has been taken away. Its living space is also disappearing because people are building. Experts speculate there are only around 1,900 to 2,500 wild Grevey's Zebras left. Zebra | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants Equus zebra, E. quagga, E. grevyi CLASS: Mammalia (Mammals) SPECIES: zebra (mountain zebra), quagga (plains zebra), grevyi (Grevy’s zebra) SUBSPECIES: 7 ABOUT Despite their appearance, zebras aren’t just black and white.

They are sturdy, spirited animals that are a study in contrasts: willful and playful, social and standoffish, resilient and vulnerable. Their life in a herd can be complex, yet they also find safety in numbers. They are prey for predators, but they are by no means shrinking violets when it comes to defending themselves. Read between the lines, and you’ll discover that the world of the zebra is colorful indeed! Zebras are equids, members of the horse family. They have excellent hearing and eyesight and can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). They also have a powerful kick that can cause serious injury to a predator, like a lion, a hyena, or an African wild dog. Usually the lead male of the herd, called a stallion, sounds the alarm if danger is spotted and stays at the back of the group to defend against predators if necessary, while the mares (females) and foals (youngsters) run away. Zebras often trot when moving to new pastures, which is a fairly fast but easy gait for them to use over the long distances they may have to travel.

Their hard hooves are designed to withstand the impact of their body weight and to run easily over rocky ground. When resting at night, zebras lie down while one stands watch to prevent an ambush. Stripes: White with black or black with white? This is one of the most-asked questions about zebras. So what's up with the stripes? Zebras are generally thought to have white coats with black (sometimes brown) stripes. That's because if you look at most zebras, the stripes end on their belly and toward the inside of the legs, and the rest is all white. However (there had to be a catch, right?), some zebras are born with genetic variations that make them all black with white stripes, or mostly dark with the striped pattern on just part of their coats. And as it turns out, zebras have black skin underneath their hair. So it depends on how you look at it! So, why the stripes? They serve as a kind of protection from predators! When zebras are grouped together, their combined stripes make it hard for a lion or leopard to pick out one zebra to chase.

Zebra stripes are unique to each individual, and researchers in the field have used zebras’ individual stripe patterns for identification. It might seem like a zebra is a zebra, but there are three different species: plains, mountain, and Grevy’s zebras. Different zebra species have different types of stripes, from narrow to wide. In fact, the farther south on the African plains you travel, the farther apart the stripes on the zebras get! The basic form of zebras—a large head, sturdy neck, long legs, a dorsal stripe along the spine and down a tasseled tail, and bristly mane—is universal. No zebra, or other wild equid, has a forelock. The Grevy’s zebra is the largest, weighing from 770 to 990 pounds (350 to 450 kilograms) and measuring up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) at the shoulder. Its thick neck and large, round ears give the Grevy’s zebra the most mule-like physique.

The Grevy’s zebra also has the thinnest stripes, extending all the way down to their white belly; on the hindquarters the stripes are vertical until above the hind legs. A mountain zebra has vertical stripes on the neck and torso, which graduate to wider—and fewer—horizontal bars on the haunches. It has a gridiron pattern on the rump, and its white underside has a dark stripe that runs the length of the belly. A mountain zebra also has a distinctive dewlap on the throat that looks a bit like an Adam’s apple. The plains zebra is the most abundant and the smallest of the three zebra species. Some subspecies have a stripe pattern different from all others: brownish “shadow” stripes between the black stripes on their coat. HABITAT AND DIET Different zebras have different habitats: Grevy’s zebras live in semi-arid grassland habitat in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Mountain zebras, as their name implies, inhabit rocky, arid slopes in Namibia and Angola. Plains zebras, which are the most abundant of the three zebra species, are found from the grasslands of East Africa to the scrubby woodlands of southern Africa.

They are one of Africa’s most successful and adaptable large herbivores. A subspecies of the plains zebra, the Grant’s zebra, is famous for its spectacular migrations during the rainy season in the Serengeti, when as many as 10,000 of these animals can be seen journeying together in congregated herds. Zebras are herbivores and feed mostly by grazing on grasses, although they also might browse a bit on the leaves and stems of bushes. They graze for many hours each day, using their strong front teeth to clip off the tips of the grass. Their back teeth then crush and grind the food. Spending so much time chewing wears the teeth down, so those teeth keep growing all their lives. As the dry season arrives and the grasses die back, zebra herds travel to find more food and water holes for drinking. Most zebras are considered nomadic, without specific territories. The exception is the Grevy's zebra. Stallions of this species mark out territories with urine and dung. The mares, their foals, and immature males wander through as they wish.

If food becomes scarce, though, the stallions leave their territories for a while and travel with the larger herds. Zebras at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are fed hay, alfalfa, and carrots. FAMILY LIFE Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours: Plains and mountain zebras are social herd animals, living in family groups with a stallion, several mares, and their offspring. During certain times of the year, these groups gather together to form loosely associated herds of up to several hundred, but the family groups still stay together within these larger groups. Grevy’s zebras do not have a herd system, and males and females have no permanent bonds. Grevy’s zebra stallions establish territories, with mares crossing through them to breed and foal. Once the foals are old enough to travel, the mares usually leave the protection of the stallion’s territory to continue their nomadic lifestyle. Zebras communicate with one another with facial expressions and sounds. They make loud braying or barking sounds and soft snorts and whuffs. The position of their ears, how wide open their eyes are, and whether their mouths are open or their teeth are bared all mean something.

Ears flat back, for example, means trouble, or you better follow orders! Zebras also reinforce their bonds by grooming each other. You might see two zebras standing head to back, apparently biting each other, but they are really only nibbling on each other with their teeth to pull out loose hair and get a good scratch. Like domestic horses, zebras put a good deal of energy into raising their offspring. Zebra foals have soft, fuzzy fur, and their stripes are usually brown and white at first. Their legs are already almost as long as an adult zebra’s and they can walk just 20 minutes after birth and can run after an hour! This is important, since the mare needs to move with the herd to find food and water. She cannot leave the foal behind, so it must be up and running quickly in order to stay with the family. Foals must be able to recognize their mother from birth in order to survive. A foal learns its mother’s stripe pattern in order to follow her. Mares usually do not adopt other foals, so there would be no chance of getting food from anyone but Mom. Mothers often separate from the herd a short distance so that their foals can imprint on them.

Once the foal can readily identify its mother, the mare and her foal return to the herd for protection. AT THE ZOO Two Chapman’s zebras were first exhibited at the San Diego Zoo in 1924, followed by a Grevy’s zebra male received in October 1940. Today, the Zoo is home to a small herd of Grevy’s zebras in our Northern Frontier, and a young Grant’s zebra named Zari is one of our animal ambassadors. Guests can get close to Zari during our Animals in Action program or see her with her Mediterranean donkey companion, Sophia, in the Zoo’s Urban Jungle. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you can view a herd of Grevy’s zebras from the Africa Tram Safari. Work is also underway on a new field exhibit for our group of Hartmann’s mountain zebras, and when it is complete you can see the similarities—and differences—in the two species for yourself. For an extra element of fun, the Safari Park is also home to an animated, digital zebra named Robert who serves as the Park’s “spokes-critter.” Guests can chat with Robert and ask him all sorts of questions about zebras.

He’ll have you laughing in no time! You'll find Robert holding court in the Park's Nairobi Station. CONSERVATION There are some threats—loss of habitat, poaching, and disease—that zebras can’t outrun. With a wild population of about 25,000, the mountain zebra is classified as threatened. The Cape mountain zebra came very close to extinction as a result of hunting and competition with domestic cattle. In 1937, Mountain Zebra National Park was established in South Africa, where only 47 Cape mountain zebras remained. Their numbers have now increased to several hundred, with the majority still in the national park. The endangered Grevy’s zebra’s population has been ravaged by anthrax outbreaks, dropping its ranks to an estimated wild population of 2,250. San Diego Zoo Global is a member of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, an independent wildlife conservation organization in Kenya, and our researchers are working with other conservation groups to help preserve the population. As of August 2012, we'd had 128 Grevy's zebra births at our facilities. You can help, too.

Every weekend at the San Diego Zoo we offer an opportunity to hand-feed our Masai giraffes for a $10 donation. The money raised goes to the Northern Rangelands Trusts in Kenya and the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, both of which have a major focus on helping zebras. Through the generosity and participation of guests at the Zoo’s giraffe feeding, donations have brought much-needed help in vaccinating zebras against anthrax in Kenya and funding other needs. Sounds zebra facts 12 months (Burchell's); 13 months (Grevy's) Predators: Lions, hyenas, hunting dogs, leopards, cheetahs Zebras, horses and wild asses are all equids, long-lived animals that move quickly for their large size and have teeth built for grinding and cropping grass. Zebras have horselike bodies, but their manes are made of short, erect hair, their tails are tufted at the tip and their coats are striped. Three species of zebra still occur in Africa, two of which are found in East Africa. The most numerous and widespread species in the east is Burchell's, also known as the common or plains zebra.

The other is Grevy's zebra, named for Jules Grevy, a president of France in the 1880s who received one from Abyssinia as a gift, and now found mostly in northern Kenya. (The third species, Equus zebra, is the mountain zebra, found in southern and southwestern Africa.) Physical Characteristics The long-legged Grevy's zebra, the biggest of the wild equids, is taller and heavier than the Burchell's, with a massive head and large ears. Zebras have shiny coats that dissipate over 70 percent of incoming heat, and some scientists believe the stripes help the animals withstand intense solar radiation. The black and white stripes are a form of camouflage called disruptive coloration that breaks up the outline of the body. Although the pattern is visible during daytime, at dawn or in the evening when their predators are most active, zebras look indistinct and may confuse predators by distorting true distance. The stripes on Grevy's zebras are more numerous and narrow than those of the plains zebra and do not extend to the belly.

In all zebra species, the stripes on the forequarters form a triangular pattern; Grevy's have a similar pattern on the hindquarters, while others have a slanted or horizontal pattern. Habitat Burchell's zebras inhabit savannas, from treeless grasslands to open woodlands; they sometimes occur in tens of thousands in migratory herds on the Serengeti plains. Grevy's zebras are now mainly restricted to parts of northern Kenya. Although they are adapted to semi-arid conditions and require less water than other zebra species, these zebras compete with domestic livestock for water and have suffered heavy poaching for their meat and skins. Behavior Family groups are stable members maintaining strong bonds over many years. Mutual grooming, where zebras stand together and nibble the hair on each other's neck and back, helps develop and preserve these bonds. Family members look out for one another if one becomes separated from the rest, the others search for it. The group adjusts its traveling pace to accommodate the old and the weak. The females within a family observe a strict hierarchical system. A dominant mare always leads the group, while others follow her in single file, each with their foals directly behind them.

The lowest- ranking mare is the last in line. Although the stallion is the dominant member of the family, he operates outside the system and has no special place in the line. Diet Zebras are avid grazers. Both Burchell's and Grevy's zebras are in constant search of green pastures. In the dry season, they can live on coarse, dry grass only if they are within a short distance (usually no farther than 20 miles away) of water holes. Caring for the Young When a foal is born the mother keeps all other zebras (even the members of her family) away from it for 2 or 3 days, until it learns to recognize her by sight, voice and smell. While all foals have a close association with their mothers, the male foals are also close to their fathers. They leave their group on their own accord between the ages of 1 and 4 years to join an all-male bachelor group until they are strong enough to head a family. Predators Zebras are important prey for lions and hyenas, and to a lesser extent for hunting dogs, leopards and cheetahs.

When a family group is attacked, the members form a semicircle, face the predator and watch it, ready to bite or strike should the attack continue. If one of the family is injured the rest will often encircle it to protect it from further attack. Did you know? Romans called Grevy's zebras 'hippotigris' and trained them to pull two-wheeled carts for exhibition in circuses. At first glance zebras in a herd might all look alike, but their stripe patterns are as distinctive as fingerprints are in man. Scientists can identify individual zebras by comparing patterns, stripe widths, color and scars. Zebras Zebras SAFEGUARDING THE ZEBRAS Scientific name: Equus Burchelli Boehmi Zebras, with their brilliant black and white striped patterns, are among the most recognizable of all mammals. At first glance they may look alike, but their stripes are as distinctive as our human fingerprints. Scientists are able to identify individual zebras by comparing stripe width, patterns, color and scars. Underneath its hair, a zebra’s skin is black.

It is thought that the stripes help to camouflage the zebra and protect it from being attacked by other animals, especially animals that are color blind, since they have trouble differentiating the stripes from grass and tree branches. Zebra coats are shiny and dissipate over 70% of incoming heat. Many scientists believe that their black and white stripe combinations help the animals to withstand intense solar radiation. The zebra species each have different stripe patterns from narrow to wide. The further south on the African plains they live, the farther apart the stripes are. Three sub-species of zebra (the Burchell’s, Grevy’s and Mountain zebras) still occur on the continent of Africa where they live in a wide range of habitats like woodland, hills, grasslands, mountains and savannahs. The most widespread and numerous of the three species is the Burchell’s, also known as the plains or common zebra. On the Serengeti plains, Burchell’s zebras sometimes form migratory herds in tens of thousands of individuals.

The second is the Grevy’s zebra, named for Jules Grevy, the President of France in the 1880’s, who once received one from Abyssinia as a gift. The unfortunate animal died on arrival, was stuffed and placed into the Natural History Museum in Paris. Grevy’s zebras are now mostly restricted to desert-like parts of northern Kenya and are thought to be the oldest type. Grevy’s are the wildest and largest species of zebra, weighing up to 900 pounds, yet they require less water than the other types. The third and smallest species, Equus Zebra (also called the mountain zebra), is found in southern and southwestern Africa. Mountain zebras have hard, pointed hooves that are well suited for navigating around difficult slopes. Their climbing skills come in handy in the mountainous areas of South Africa and Namibia where the elevations are up to 6,500 feet above sea level. Unlike the other two species, the Grevy’s zebras are usually not found in herds but are solitary, except for the mother’s that roam with their young foals.

Both the Grevy’s and mountain zebras are now listed as Endangered because of loss of habit, competition with other animals for food and water, disease and poaching for their hides and meat. The Burchell’s zebras number is currently around 750,000; there are around 2,000 mountain zebras; and fewer than 2,500 Grevy’s zebras remain today. Their biggest threats are habitat loss due to farming and ranching, droughts, increase in disease, competition for water with livestock, and poachers that hunt them for their skins. The name “Zebra” is derived from the Old Portugese word “Zevra” which means “wild ass”. Their bodies are horse-like, but the manes are made of short erect striped hair and their tails are tufted at the ends. These creatures are Ungulates, which means “hoofed animals”, and are part of the Equidae family along with horses and donkeys and have an average lifespan of around 25 years in the wild and 40 years in captivity.

They are extremely social animals that live in large groups of a dozen members or so called “harems” with one stallion as the head of the group. Communication is made with barks, sniffs, brays and snorts. Zebras tend to be unpredictable in behavior and panicky under stress. Occasional fights are characterized by biting each others legs and kicking. Their main predators of are lions, hyenas, leopards, wild dogs and cheetahs. Nile crocodiles are also great threats during migratory river crossings. As zebras travel across the plains a lead stallion usually always stays at the back of the group to defend the herd against predators, if necessary. If they spot a predator, they will whinny or bark loudly to warn the other members of their group. When being chased, zebras run very fast from side to side in a zigzag manner. Once cornered, they will bite their predators and kick fiercely with their rear hooves. Zebras have large muscular bodies, long legs and one toe on each foot.

They have a long striped mane that goes from the forehead to their shoulders, large noses, tall ears that are indicators of their moods, a tail that measures about 18 inches, beautiful long eyelashes and a strong incisor teeth for grinding and chewing their food. Their herbivorous diet is made up of leaves, grass, shrubs, herbs, twigs and bark. Zebras walk, trot, canter and gallop although they are generally slower than horses, although they can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. They sleep standing up and in shifts so that some members of the herd are always awake and alert to dangers. Each individual has its own “smile”, a bare-teethed grimace that serves as a friendly greeting and helps to reduce aggression when others approach. They also reinforce bonds with one another through grooming and nibbling on each other with their teeth to pull out loose hair and give each other a good scratching. Unlike their closest relatives, horses and donkeys, zebras have never been truly domesticated. Foals are born with brown and white stripes as opposed to black and white stripes and can walk within 20 minutes of being born.

This is very useful because the mare needs to constantly move with the herd to find food and water. She can’t leave the baby behind, so it must quickly be up and running to keep up with the family. Mares usually won’t let others around her baby for at least 2-3 days until it recognizes her be sight, sound and smell. From a young age zebras have excellent eyesight and are thought to have color vision. Their night vision is thought to be nearly as good as that of a cat or an owl. They also have a keen sense of smell and hearing and are extremely sensitive to smoke. Communication is done with facial expressions, loud braying, barking or snorting sounds. Herds are commonly seen grazing with other animals like antelopes and wildebeests and often take dust or mud baths to clean themselves, shaking off the dirt to get rid of flaky skin and hair. What’s left protects them from wind, sun and insects. Many hours each day are spent chewing on grass. Zebras prefer to eat the tough tips of grass and foliage that other grazers are not able to digest. This constant chewing wears down their teeth, so their teeth keep growing for their entire lives.

Increasing human population, reduction of water sources, hunting, disease and the resulting competition from alternative land uses continue to be a threat to zebra ranges. The best thing we can do is safeguard this beautifully striped animal from extinction by providing protection to them from poaching and habitat loss. The African Wildlife Foundation is working with reserve management and their rangers, who conduct regular patrols and are best placed to monitor the health of wild animal populations and their habitat in a sustainable way, to develop a ranger-based monitoring system. They are also attempting to work closely with local communities to raise awareness and a greater understanding about the need for conservation of this species on not only local, but national and international levels as well. The Grevy’s Zebra is currently being used as a flagship species to promote the overall conservation of wildlife in the area and is being used as an entry point to facilitate peace talks between both ethnic groups who periodically come into conflict over lifestock and resources, according to the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. Strategies must be developed and maintained that benefit the local people as well as the zebra populations in order to achieve a positive balance and wildlife preservation.

Article and images by Christina Bush Zebra carousel drawing by Christina Bush - 1992 EDGE :: Mammal Species Information Shoulder height: 140-160 cm Weight: 352-450 kg Grévy’s zebra is the largest living wild equid. It can be distinguished from the other two species of zebra by its larger ears and narrower stripes. Vertical stripes cover most of the head and body, with the exception of the belly, which is white. The legs are long and are marked with horizontal stripes which extend down to the hooves. A broad black stripe runs along the centre of the back, and is separated from the other stripes by a narrow white zone. The mane is very tall and erect, and also striped. Zebra foals have a mane which extends all the way to the base of the tail. Ecology The species is predominantly a grazer, although it will also browse on shrubs and trees. It can eat tough, fibrous grasses that are inedible to cattle and some other ungulates (hoofed mammals). The social structure is open and fluid with individuals occurring variously alone, or in same or mixed sex groups.

Associations rarely last more than a few weeks or even days and, unlike in other species of zebra, no lasting bonds appear to form between adults. Some stallions are territorial, defending large areas of land from which they have exclusive access to any oestrous females passing through. At up to 10 sq. km these territories are among the largest known for any herbivore. Subordinate males are generally tolerated within these areas providing they do not interfere with the dominant male’s breeding activities. Mating occurs throughout the year, although there are seasonal peaks during the July-August and October-November rains. A single foal is born after a gestation period of approximately 390days. The foal is relatively independent after about 7 months, but remains with its mother for up to 3 years. Both sexes are capable of breeding at 3 years, but wild stallions usually do not breed until about 6 years. Lifespan in the wild is not known, although captive individuals can live into their late twenties. Habitat Dry semi-desert regions and open shrub/grasslands. The species is found in a limited region of subdesert country between the more arid region to the north that is preferred by E.

asinus (African wild ass) and the wetter country to the south favoured by E. burchelli (Burchell’s zebra). Distribution The species used to occur throughout northern Kenya and into Somalia and Ethiopia, to the coast of Eritrea and Djibouti. Today, northern Kenya is the species' stronghold. There are three small and isolated populations in Ethiopia, and there may be a few individuals surviving in the Sudan. Population Estimate Recent estimates indicate that there may now be as few as 1700-2000 animals left in the wild. Population Trend Declining. Towards the end of the 1970s, the total wild population of Grévy’s zebra was estimated to be approximately 15,000 animals. By 2002, some 3,000-3,500 animals were thought to survive (representing a 75 percent decline in numbers). In Ethiopia the situation is even worse with a 93 percent decline in numbers (from an estimated 1,500 animals in 1980 to 110 in 2003).

The most recent estimates of 1700-2000 animals suggest an overall population decline of 87 percent. Status Classified as Endangered (EN A1a+2c) on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Threats Grevy’s zebra has declined drastically in modern times due to hunting for its skin, which was sought by hunters either as trophies or for export for use in the fashion markets of Europe and North America. There is no evidence of killing for skins since the species was listed on CITES Appendix I in 1979, although it may continue to be hunted for its meat in some areas. The main threats to the species today are habitat loss and degradation. This is primarily due to overgrazing by domestic livestock, which alters vegetation structure and reduces the availability of forage. Access to water is limited, particularly during the dry season, due to the effect of irrigation schemes in highland areas and the exclusion of wildlife from water sources (this has occurred as a result of pastoralists becoming more sedentary around permanent and seasonal water sources). The animals must therefore compete with pastoral people and their livestock for water as well as food.

The increasingly long distances that zebras now have to travel between suitable grazing areas and water sources are thought to be having a detrimental effect on breeding rates and infant survival. Poorly regulated ecotourism (e.g. off-road driving) may disturb the animals and also affect breeding, even within protected areas. Conservation Underway The species is currently listed under Appendix I of CITES, and is legally protected in Ethiopia. However, the continuing decline here suggests that this nominal protection has not been effective. The species is not legally protected in Kenya, although it has been covered by a hunting ban since 1977. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is currently working to upgrade the species’ status to Protected in Kenya. Protected areas form less than 0.5 percent of the species’ range. In Ethiopia, it is found in three nominally protected areas: Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve, Borana Controlled Hunting Area, and Chalbi Wildlife Reserve (Chew Bahir). However, there is no effective protection of wildlife in these areas. The species is found in a number of protected areas in Kenya, including the Buffalo Springs, Samburu, and Shaba National Reserve complex.

The largest protected population which comprises 22% of all wild Grevy’s occurs in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and is a critical birthing area and an important dry season refuge. Other protected areas in Kenya appear to be largely ineffective. For example, in Sibiloi National Park, Grévy’s zebras are now uncommon, whilst Losai National Reserve is not functional as a protected area. Conservation initiatives for the species on Laikipia Plateau in Kenya, and particularly on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have led to increase in numbers in both areas. In addition, many of the communities in this region have established conservancies for wildlife conservation in which management caters for both wildlife and pastoralism. There is now a network of conservancies stretching from Lewa in the south to Laisamis in the north. Conservancies have been established with support from the Northern Rangelands Trust. Long-term monitoring and research into Grévy’s zebra behaviour and ecology has also been carried out, mostly in protected areas in Kenya. In 2007 KWS appointed a species co-ordinator to oversee all Greyv’s zebra conservation activities within Kenya.

A second key position created in this year is that of the Grevy’s zebra liaison officer. He will improve communication between all stakeholders, coordinate and prioritise conservation efforts for the species and implement the recently issued National Grevy’s zebra Conservation Strategy for Kenya. There is a large captive population of Grévy’s zebra, with around 600 individuals being held in zoos throughout the world. Conservation Proposed Kenya’s first National Grevy’s zebra Conservation Strategy highlights population monitoring as imperative to Grevy’s zebra conservation. It also emphasises the importance of developing standardised survey methods and has for this purpose established a technical committee to develop and test different methods and to plan and carry out a national survey in 2008. The IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group produced an Action Plan for the species in 2002, which emphasizes the need for range-state management plans for Grévy’s zebra, starting with Kenya. It also recommends that the status of the species in Kenya be amended to that of a Protected Animal. Other recommended actions include increased protection of water supplies.

This can be achieved by improving water-use efficiency, imposing limits for use, increasing methods of storage, and forming “river-users associations” that involve local communities in decision-making about how water is used. Better management of resources in protected areas would also benefit the species. Involving local communities in conservation efforts is crucial for the long-term survival of the species, since most animals live outside of protected areas. Community conservation programmes, such as the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are strongly endorsed. Ecotourism programmes, if managed appropriately, will provide direct benefits to local communities and encourage them to work to conserve wildlife resources. The long-term aim of the Action Plan is to reintroduce animals to areas of their former range to create a continuous distribution, thereby reducing the extinction threat that arises from isolation of populations. Links IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group This collaboration aims to understanding the threats facing wild equids and ensure the long term survival of wild equid species. Marwell Preservation Trust aims to help secure the future of the Grevy's zebra by supporting the national strategy for Grevy’s zebra conservation, providing training to local biologists, technical support to partner organisations and by working with communities to help them achieve their conservation goals.

The Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) is a Kenyan conservation trust that was established to conserve Grevy’s zebra across its range in collaboration with local communities. In the short-term, GZT’s conservation activities intend to halt the rapid decline of the species in the more remote areas of its range. In the long-term the success of its conservation programmes is based on fostering positive attitudes towards Grevy’s zebra and other wildlife, building community capacity to manage rangeland sustainably for livestock and wildlife, developing local Grevy’s zebra conservation strategies led by communities, and working with local, national and international partners to establish meaningful incentives to conserve the species. Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is an umbrella organisation for communities who seek to conserve biodiversity and improve environmental management as a means of improving their livelihoods. NRT is currently working with 15 community conservancies covering a total area of more than 5,000km2. The role of NRT is to develop the capacity of community organisations in conservation, natural resource management and natural resource-based enterprises.

The future of wildlife in northern Kenya will rely upon support from local communities in order to retain an ecosystem approach to conservation, allowing wildlife to migrate through their natural range. This is particularly important for species such as Grevy’s zebra. Wildlife-based tourism is one of the key revenue generating activities for conservancies, and Grevy’s zebra are thus an important resource or community development. References How Many Zebra Species Are There? | Animals - mom.me How Many Zebra Species Are There? Zebras form large herds to investigate new feeding areas. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images There are three species of zebra: Burchell's or the plains zebra, Grevy's zebra and the mountain zebra. Although each species looks similar, there are differences in appearance. Zebra of all species prefer to live in open grassland, and you'll find them in Eastern Africa, particularly in Kenya, and in parts of southern Africa, especially around the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. Zebra Species Like horses and asses, zebras belong to the equid family. The main characteristics shared by the group are that they are long-lived, fast movers with large teeth suitable for chewing anything herbivorous.

Zebra, regardless of species, live approximately 25 years in the wild and up to 40 in captivity. The zebra looks similar to a horse, except he has a short, tufted mane and those distinctive stripes. Each zebra species has its own general stripe pattern, but more fascinatingly, every zebra has his own unique stripe pattern, in the way that a person has a unique set of fingerprints. Scientists offer a few suggestions about the purpose of a zebra's stripes. They may act as camouflage or like sunscreen, or they may keep flies away or help zebras to recognize each other according to the National Geographic. Burchell's Zebra As is typical in the sciences, two species of zebra are named after the scientists who discovered and identified them. Burchell's zebra, which also is referred to as the plains zebra, is the most numerous of the three species. One of the best places to see plains zebra is in the Serengeti park in Tanzania, according to the African Wildlife Foundation. The plains zebra likes to live in smallish units consisting of a stallion, a few mares and their young.

These small units occasionally get together with others to form spectacularly enormous herds. These herds usually are the first to enter new grazing pastures, particularly wetlands. They trample down the long vegetation so the gazelle and wildebeest can follow. Grevy's Zebra Grevy's zebra is larger than Burchell's, weighing between 770 and 990 pounds compared to 485 to 550 pounds for a Burchell's zebra. Two features distinguish it from the other zebra species: it has a longer mane and larger ears. The Grevy is only about 5 inches taller than Burchell's zebra, which indicates that Burchell's zebra has a much stockier body. Perhaps that is why the Romans used Grevy's zebra, which they called hippotigris, to pull carts in circuses. Grevy's zebra are found mostly in northern Kenya, but in substantially reduced numbers. There are only around 2,500 Grevy's in Africa compared to 15,000 just a few decades ago, according to the AWF.

Converting grazing land to agricultural use is one major threat to these animals. The Mountain Zebra The mountain zebra has two subspecies: Hartmann's and the Cape mountain zebra. These species mostly live in southern Africa, particularly Namibia and western South Africa. Compared to Burchell's and Grevy's zebra, this species prefers mountainous areas. His stripes are thinner and more numerous than those of the Burchell's zebra, and he has broad stripes on his rump that distinguish him from the other two species. He also has a fold of skin on his throat, called a dewlap, that other zebras don't have. Both subspecies are classified as endangered. In the past hunting decimated herds, but land cultivation now is a bigger threat. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Author Based in London, Eleanor McKenzie has been writing lifestyle-related books and articles since 1998. Her articles have appeared in the "Palm Beach Times" and she is the author of numerous books published by Hamlyn U.K., including "Healing Reiki" and "Pilates System." She holds a Master of Arts in informational studies from London University.

See More Animals Zebra (Equus zebra, Equus quagga, Equus grevyi) - Animals - A-Z Animals - Animal Facts, Information, Pictures, Videos, Resources and Links Listen Zebra Classification and Evolution The Zebra is a large species of equine that is natively found roaming the grassy plains of sub-Saharan Africa. They are the largest and most distinctive wild horses with bodies that are patterned with white and black stripes, the exact placement of which is unique to each individual. There are three different species of Zebra that are found in Africa which are the Common Zebra (also known as the Plains Zebra and the Burchell's Zebra), the Grevy's Zebra (also known as the Imperial Zebra) and the Mountain Zebra. They are incredibly sociable animals that can travel vast distances in search of fresh grass and water but are severely threatened throughout much of their natural range due to increasing levels of human activity. Today, both the Grevy's Zebra and the Mountain Zebra are considered to be endangered species and although the Common Zebra is more widespread and numerous, there have been sharp population declines in certain areas.

Zebra Anatomy and Appearance Zebras are heavy bodied animals that are perfectly designed for speed with their long and slender legs and narrow hooves helping them to reach speeds of 40kph when running. In the same way as horses, they only have a single toe on each foot which they walk on the tip of and is protected by their tough hooves. Their black and white stripes are unique to each individual and help them to identify each other when in the herd. Zebras have long necks and heads that mean they can easily reach the grass on the ground and a mane that extends from their forehead and along their back to the tail. The pattern of their stripes varies between the species with Grevy's and Mountain Zebras having narrower stripes and white undersides, while the Common Zebra has broad stripes that cover it's entire body. The Grevy's Zebra is not only the largest of the Zebra species but is also easily identifiable by it's large, rounded ears. Zebra Distribution and Habitat Zebras are found inhabiting the open grasslands and plains of East and Southern Africa where they spend almost of their time grazing on the grasses.

The Common Zebra is the most numerous and has the widest natural range throughout East Africa where they are found roaming the grassy plains. The Mountain Zebra can be found grazing on the mountain grasslands of South-West Africa, while the Grevy's Zebra is confined to the arid grasslands and sub-desert steppe throughout Ethiopia, Somalia and in northern Kenya. Zebras have evolved to run incredibly fast so they are able to escape from dangerous predators and so rely heavily on the open plains for their survival. Although the Common Zebra has been least affected, all three species are at risk from population declines due to the loss of their natural habitats caused by by increasing levels of human activity. Zebra Behaviour and Lifestyle Zebras are highly sociable animals that roam the savanna in herds for protection from predators. The Grevy's Zebra occupies herds more loosely than the other species with a stallion (male) patrolling enormous territories of up to 10 square kilometres, with mares (females) and their foals grazing freely and occasionally forming small groups that feed together.

Both the Common Zebra and the Mountain Zebra inhabit their native regions in long-term herds that split into smaller family groups which are led by a dominant stallion and contain between one and six mares with their young. Their strong social bonds can make them very affectionate towards one another, often grooming each other using their teeth. During the mating season, males will fight fiercely for the right to breed with the females and do so by rearing up on their back legs whilst kicking and biting one another. Zebra Reproduction and Life Cycles The Zebra is a relatively slow-developing mammal with females not being able to first breed until they are at least a few years old. After a gestation period that can last for between 10 months and a year, the female gives birth to a single foal that is born with it's stripes, mane and also has a little patch of hair in the middle of it's tummy. Zebra foals are able to stand within minutes of birth which is vital to ensure that they are able to run away to escape from predators. They are able to begin eating grass after a week and are weaned by the time they are 11 months old.

Young Zebras remain with their mother until they are mature at around three years old when the males leave their natal herd to join an all-male bachelor group, while females stay with their mother. These bachelor groups begin to challenge the dominant stallions to try and take over the harem during the mating season. Zebra Diet and Prey The Zebra is a herbivorous animal meaning that it only eats plant-matter in order to gain the nutrition that it needs to survive. The majority of the Zebra's diet (in fact around 90%) is comprised of a wide variety of different grasses with other plant matter including leaves and buds making up the rest. They use their sharp front teeth to nibble on the tough ends of grasses before grinding them up using the flat molars along it's cheeks. Due to the fact that grass has little nutritional value, Zebras must spend between 60% and 80% of the day grazing. Common Zebras are often seen drinking at water holes which they do every day but, due to the fact that the Grevy's Zebra and the Mountain Zebra inhabit drier, more arid regions, they often don't drink for several days at a time.

In the dry season Zebras can travel vast distances in search of fresh grass and water holes that haven't yet dried up, with the Grevy's Zebra also known to dig into the ground of dried up river beds to access the water underground. Zebra Predators and Threats The Zebra is a large and powerful animal that despite being herbivorous can easily outrun many of it's predators. Zebras are preyed upon by Lions, Leopards, Hyenas and African Wild Dogs, along with numerous other large carnivores such as Crocodiles when they are crossing rivers or drinking. Although their first instinct is to run away, Zebras are sometimes known to attack the animal that is threatening it by kicking and biting. However, when danger is spotted, Zebras alert one another of the threat and by running away from their predator as a tight herd, they often either confuse or simply intimidate their attacker. The biggest threat though to Africa's remaining Zebra populations is the increasing encroachment on their natural habitats by people, with the loss of their open plains to grazing for livestock and to clear land for agriculture.

Zebra Interesting Facts and Features The stripes of the Zebra remain a slight mystery to science even today as they were once thought to camouflage them into the natural light and shade of their surroundings to confuse predators, as once running as a herd, it is extremely difficult to remain focused on a single animal. The formation of the stripes on their rear end of the Zebra differs greatly between the three species with Common Zebras having horizontal stripes on it's haunches where those of the Grevy's Zebra curve upwards. These patterns on their rear ends are thought to differ so greatly so that members of the same herd are able to easily identify the individual at the front of the pack when running. As with other male horses, Zebra stallions are known to curl their top lips up which is thought to heighten their sense of smell. This so-called "horse laugh" is thought to prove vital for the male to be able to detect when a female is ready to mate. Zebra Relationship with Humans Due to the free-roaming nature of Zebras and over vast distances, the increasing human presence throughout the world has meant that Zebras have been affected by the loss of their habitats throughout much of the natural range.

However, one of the most intriguing things about Zebras to people is that because they are so closely related to other equines including Horses and Donkeys, Zebras has actually been able to breed with them to produce a hybrid foal, known as a Zonkey (Zebras and Donkeys) or as a Zorse (Zebras and Horses). Although it is not thought that the two species would naturally be able to mate in the wild due to geographical differences, a number of both Zonkey and Zorse individuals now exist around the world. Zebras are thought to have natural protection to certain parasites which has led people to breed Horses and Donkeys with Zebras to produce an animal that has the character and size of a Horse or Donkey but with the power and resilience of a Zebra. As with other cross-breed offspring though, Zonkeys and Zorses are infertile and so are unable to reproduce themselves. Zebra Conservation Status and Life Today Today, two out of the three Zebras species are listed by the IUCN as animals that are Endangered and therefore face extinction from their natural habitats in the future.

The Grevy's Zebra and the Mountain Zebra are found in increasingly isolated regions and their numbers continue to fall throughout their natural ranges. The Common Zebra is an animal that is listed as being Near Threatened by extinction in the wild and although they are still widespread and numbers appear to be relatively stable, they like the other species, are threatened by habitat loss throughout much of their natural range. Zebra Comments Grevy's Zebra | African Wildlife Foundation Physical Characteristics What is a Grevy’s zebra? The long-legged Grevy’s zebra is the largest of the wild equids. It is distinguished by its unique stripes, which are as distinctive as human fingerprints. Foals are born with reddish-brown stripes and, gradually, their coats darken to black. The Grevy’s zebra is more closely related to the wild ass than the horse, while the plains zebra is more closely related to the horse. Grevy’s zebras also are taller, have larger ears, and have narrower stripes than plains zebras. Behavior & Diet They have social structures. Grevy’s zebras are loosely social animals that live in herds.

A stallion’s attachment to his land and a mare’s attachment to her young are the most stable relationships. Within the herd, dominance is relatively nonexistent, except for the right a territorial male has to a breeding female. If no females are around, the resident male will associate with bachelor males in a friendly manner. Foals can run less than an hour after birth. Newborn foals are able to stand after just six minutes, and they can run after 40 minutes. They are dependent on their mothers for milk until they reach about 6 to 8 months of age. Peak birth periods for the Grevy’s zebra are usually July through August, and mature females breed in two-year intervals. They are grazers. Grevy’s zebras are extremely mobile grazers, and they can digest many types, and parts, of plants that cattle cannot. Despite their mobility, Grevy’s are water-dependent and will migrate to grazing lands only within reach of water. Gallery Challenges Grevy’s zebras have undergone one of the most substantial reductions of range of any African mammal. Habitat loss in an already restricted range is a serious threat to the Grevy’s zebra's survival.

It is in competition for resources with other grazers as well as cattle and livestock. Due to overgrazing and competition for water, the juvenile Grevy’s zebras have a low survival rate. Hunting for Grevy’s zebras persists. Hunting is the primary cause of decline of Grevy’s zebras in Ethiopia. They are primarily hunted for their striking skins but will occasionally be killed for food, and in some regions, medicinal uses continue. Solutions Our solutions to protecting the Grevy’s zebra: Employ technology for conservation. African Wildlife Foundation worked with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to fit Grevy’s zebras with collars in Buffalo Spring National Reserve. The Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) collars provide scientists with critical information concerning Grevy’s zebras’ movement patterns and whereabouts. By gaining an understanding of their patterns, scientists are better able to protect the zebras. Engage wildlife scouts. AWF works with communities who live in close quarters with wildlife and equips scouts with essential tools, such as GPS-monitoring devices and vehicles.

As a result, AWF is able to ensure enhanced protection of wildlife in these regions as well as provide additional employment opportunities to local communities. Projects Will you show the Grevy’s zebra your support? With your help, AWF can continue working on initiatives like the collaring of Grevy’s zebras, wildlife scout training, and habitat protection. Donate to a cause that will help with wildlife conservation and ensure the continued survival of this endangered species. Monitoring Grevy’s zebra populations in the Samburu Landscape Grevy’s zebras are in grave danger. A mere few decades ago, in the 1970s, more than 15,000 Grevy’s zebras inhabited Africa. Today, fewer than 2,500 remain. The...

Question: Which animal has species called Burchell’s and Grevy’s?
Answer: Zebra