Description

Zebras are African equines known for their distinctive black-and-white striped coats, with three living species: Grévy's zebra, the plains zebra, and the mountain zebra. They share the genus Equus with horses and donkeys, and each zebra has a unique stripe pattern. The primary function of their stripes is believed to deter biting flies. Zebras inhabit various environments across eastern and southern Africa, including savannahs and grasslands. They are mainly grazers and preyed upon by lions, with different species exhibiting varied social behaviors. Plains and mountain zebras live in stable harems, while Grévy's zebras are more solitary. Zebras are famous for their visual appeal, often featured in art, but have never been fully domesticated. Their conservation status varies, with Grévy's zebra listed as endangered, the mountain zebra as vulnerable, and the plains zebra as near-threatened. The quagga, a type of plains zebra, went extinct in the 19th century. The name "zebra" originates from the Portuguese word "ezebro," which referred to a wild horse in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages.