Grévy's zebra
Equus grevyi
About
Grévy’s zebra are the largest of the three species of zebra. They have distinctive long, narrow heads which differ from plains and mountain zebras. They also have very different social structures to the other two species; stallions establish territories of up to 10km2 which mares will enter to breed.
Zebras are part of the horse family but are no doubt the most striking species in this family! Each individual has a unique stripe pattern, just like a human fingerprint. Grévy's zebras are actually black with white stripes! Scientists have struggled to find out why zebras have stripes, but there are a few theories. Some believe it is to prevent fly bites, or to help cool them down. The most common theory is that the stripes break up their body shapes in a crowd, making it more difficult for predators to single out individuals.
Grévy's zebra facts
Threats
With fewer than 2,000 left in the wild, Grévy’s zebras are one of Africa’s most endangered mammals. Habitat loss and hunting for their striking skins are major threats.
Human intervention
As human populations expand, zebra habitats shrink. Roads, settlements and farms cut through vital grazing grounds, forcing zebras into smaller, fragmented areas where survival becomes harder.
Hunting or collection
Grévy’s zebras are hunted illegally for their skins — a trade that continues despite protections.
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