Zebras are African equids popularly known for their exclusive and distinctive black and white stripes. The marvel of these stripes is that they are almost like fingerprints, unique to each animal. They are considered closest relatives of horses and asses with the similarity to their features, but unlike horses and asses, they have never been truly domesticated in spite of sustained efforts by humans. Zebras can be broadly classified into three species namely, plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra and the mountain zebra, their preferred habitat are savannas, grasslands, woodlands, scrublands, mountains and coastal hills.

While plain zebras are reasonably populated, human greed to make fast money and sport indulges in hunting for their beautiful skins and also destroying their habiThe cape mountain zebra was almost hunted to extinction, in the 1930s they numbered a mere 100 and on the brink of extinction. However due to the dedicated, sincere and Herculean efforts of animal lovers and the various agencies involved in animal conservation the strength has increased to 700.

While still not in the comfort zone, the untiring efforts have borne fruit and still a lot need to be done. At present, the national parks provide protection to the mountain zebra species as they are categories to be under the endangered animals. Yet another species under the same division is the Grevy’s Zebras also recognized as endangered. Apart from hunting, drought and other environmental hazards, as limited population pose great risk to this species. Plain zebras are much more populated but nevertheless the threat exists unless human awareness to conservation is not increased.

Like all animals their skin and features protect zebras from their enemies, their main enemy is the lion and the stripes enable them to hide in tall grass unnoticed, and since the lion is color blind these zebras are able to camouflage themselves. Similar to horses they walk, trot, canter and gallop; while they are not as fast as horses, they have good stamina to outpace their hunters.

They have excellent eyesight with night vision and a sharp hearing, with larger rounder ears than horses, these ears can turn in any direction. They also have an amazing sense of smell and taste. When trapped or pushed to a corner, they bite or rear up and kick their aggressor. Their communication is with high-pitched barks and whinnying, while Grevy,s zebras brays similar to that of a mule. The ears indicate their mood, when the ears stand erect they are in a clam or friendly mood, when gripped with fear the ears are pushed forward, when tensed they also snort and in the presence of an enemy, they bark or bray loudly.

Zebras are purely vegetarian and are smart grazers mainly feeding on grasses, but do not mind leaves, shrubs, herbs, twigs and bark, they are also blessed with a excellent digestive system that enables them to survive on food of lower nutritional quality. Female zebras are called mares and they mature earlier than males and may have her first young one called foal by the age of three, whereas males do not breed until the age of five or six.

Mares give birth to one foal in twelve months and nurse the new born for a year, just like horses zebras foal stand, walk and suckle shortly after birth. This magnificent creature gifted to man by God and nature should be loved the human race and an increased awareness is to be created for their welfare. Reading this article is the first step.

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Category: Advice
Keywords: Zebra, Endangered, Mountain Zebra, Plain Zebra, Hunting