Physical characteristics
* Body size: Quaggas were slightly smaller than zebras, with an average height of about 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches) at the shoulder. Zebras, on the other hand, can range in height from 1.4 to 2 meters (4 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 7 inches) at the shoulder.
* Body shape: Quaggas had a more compact, stockier build than zebras. They also had a shorter neck and a more rounded rump.
* Coat color: Quaggas had a distinctive coat pattern that consisted of dark brown stripes on a light brown background. The stripes were more concentrated on the front half of the body and became fainter towards the rear. Zebras, on the other hand, have a variety of coat patterns, including the common "zebra stripes" (black and white stripes), as well as the "grevy's zebra" pattern (black and white stripes with a reddish-brown background).
Behavior and ecology
* Diet: Quaggas were primarily grazers, while zebras are both grazers and browsers. Quaggas fed mainly on grasses and shrubs, while zebras will also eat leaves, twigs, and fruits.
* Social structure: Quaggas lived in small family groups, while zebras live in herds. Quagga family groups typically consisted of a single male, several females, and their offspring. Zebra herds can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred.
* Habitat: Quaggas were found in the grasslands of southern Africa. Zebras, on the other hand, are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and deserts.
Conservation status
The quagga was declared extinct in the late 19th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. The last known quagga died in the Amsterdam Zoo in 1883. Zebras are not currently considered to be endangered, but some subspecies are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.