Zebra is a member of the horse family. But as compared to other members of this family it stands apart because of its striped coat. Each animal has its own special pattern of stripes.
Today we have three species of zebra that have survived over the ages. The most commonly found is Equus quagga – known either as the common zebra or as the plains zebra. It inhabits eastern and southern Africa – south of Ethiopia. The other species is Equus grevy which is found in Somalia.
It is the largest of all zebra species and has numerous thin stripes and very large ears. The third surviving zebra species is called the mountain zebra or Equus zebra. It has numerous narrow stripes and is found in the mountains of Namibia (South-West Africa) and Angola. At one time, there existed a species called quagga which had stripes only on its head but is now extinct.
Since all the species have parallel black or brown stripes on white background, it is not off the mark to assume that the stripes must in some way be helpful for these grazing animals. Although a number of theories have been advanced to explain this phenomenon, none gives a very convincing explanation. According to one theory, the stripes create a ‘dazzle pattern’ and thus help the zebra to hide from its enemies by blending with the ‘shadow-sunlight’ patterns where it lives. Since lion is its main enemy, this physical characteristic helps to protect it. Some other researchers have suggested that the stripes are disruptive, and create confusion in singling out an individual zebra when they are bunched together due to the overlapping of their outlines. This helps in protecting them as a lion finds it difficult to single out a potential victim.
Zebras are grazing animals; some roam around open grassy plains whereas others live in rough mountains. They usually live in small bands. They are noted fighter, and it is difficult to tame or train them.
The gestation period of different zebras varies from 300 to 390 days. Usually one young is born at a time although twins are also a possibility.