If one of the family group ever goes astray and is lost, the rest of the group will spend many days looking for it. Zebras stay in these family groups for many years. These basic family groups stay together even when they do congregate into large herds. They live in family groups of between 5 – 20 individuals that consist of one stallion, a few mares and their young ones. Zebras are gregarious animals who congregate in herds of up to 1000 individuals.
Zebras also have a powerful kick which can cause serious injury to a predator such as a lion, hyena or African wild dog. Zebras are very courageous animals and are not afraid to confront predators. Zebras have matching incisors for chewing the strong, high fibre grasses which are easily digested due to their single stomach and hind-gut fermentation. Their stripes are a form of camouflage called ‘disruptive coloration’ that breaks up the outline of the body so it is difficult to make them out particularly in the dawn light when predators are most active. Zebras are best known for their distinctive white and black stripes, which come in different patterns unique to each individual. Zebras have horse like bodies, however, their manes are made of short, erect hair, their tails are tufted at the tip and their coats are striped. Zebras have long, thin legs for ease of movement and quick, efficient escapes from predators. Zebras bodies are well adapted to their surroundings.
Zebras have excellent hearing and eyesight and are capable of running at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Zebras are generally 2.3 metres (8 feet) long, stand 1.25 – 1.5 metres (4 – 5 feet) at the shoulder and weigh around 300 kilograms (660 pounds), although some can grow to more than 410 kilograms (900 pounds). The Grevy’s zebra is believed to have been the first zebra species to emerge. Zebras were the second species to diverge from the earliest proto-horses, after the asses, around 4 million years ago. The Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) prefers to live in sub desert and arid grasslands. Although zebras are very adaptable animals as far as their habitats are concerned, most zebras live in grasslands and savannas. Zebras are native to southern and central Africa. Zebras are equids – members of the horse family (Equidae) and are medium sized, odd-toed ungulates.
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