About Zebras

Type

• Although most people don't realize it, there's more than one type of zebra. Although they may look relatively similar to one another, zebras fall within three distinct species within the Equus genus. The most common variety is the plains zebra (Equus quagga). The other two species of zebra are the mountain zebra (Equus zebra) and the Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi). They all constitute different species because they do not interbreed.

Geography

• Zebras can live in a broad variety of climate conditions. They are native to the African continent and can survive in virtually any of the climates there. In recent times, zebras have spread, geographically speaking, across the globe, but they are generally kept in captivity in their new host countries.

Identification

• The identification of one particular zebra as belonging to a specific zebra species can be extremely difficult and is generally only undertaken by zoological experts. Zebras are not normally referred to by their specific species name. It is, on the other hand, extremely easy to identify zebras compared to their closest biological relatives, horses and donkeys.

Misconceptions

• It is commonly said that zebras are white with black stripes. This isn't the case. In actuality, zebras are black and develop white stripes.

Size

• Zebras are generally about 8 feet long from nose to tail, with their shoulder-to-tail length averaging about 5 feet. As adults, they normally weigh around 600 to 700 pounds, but some large adult males can weigh in excess of 900 pounds.

Expert Insight

• Zebras are an endangered species, with the Plains zebras enjoying healthy population sizes but all other varieties in real danger of extinction. Mankind has had the largest influence on this trend, and zebras are largely hunted for their skins and meat. Sadly, one subspecies of zebra is already extinct. If concerted efforts aren't taken to prevent it, the other subspecies may soon follow.