The zebra belongs to the equine family of the order of equids of the class of mammals. These animals live in groups - herds. There is only one adult male in one herd. All other "participants" are females with cubs. The male leader is the father of all foals. But the herd is not led by a male, but by the most adult female. Her cubs follow her, and then the rest of the females with their foals.
Newborn "minke whales" begin to walk within 20 minutes after birth. And after 45 minutes they are already briskly jumping and running after their mother. They reach maturity in 1-1.5 years. Young males at this age or a little later (up to 3 years) leave their herd, first falling into bachelor groups or staying alone. They acquire their herd at the age of 5-6 years. Young females begin to bear offspring at the age of 2.5 years.
Like all herbivores, zebras flee from danger by running. The main thing is to see the enemy, the lion. Therefore, they willingly accept other animals into their society: antelopes, giraffes, gazelles and even ostriches. The more eyes, the more chances to notice the danger and retreat in time.
Stripes that appeared in the process of evolution. probably also served as a disguise from predators: because of them, it is more difficult to assess the outlines of the body. According to another hypothesis, the stripes appeared as a means of disguise from horseflies and tsetse flies, which, as a result of such coloring, perceive a zebra as a flash of white and black stripes.
Each zebra has a unique set of stripes, like fingerprints, unique to each individual. Thanks to him, the foal remembers his mother. Therefore, after the baby is born, the zebra mother covers it with her body from other zebras for some time.
Video: Zebra pioneers. (Colorful series about animals - "Alone with nature".)
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Burchelov, or savannah zebra(Equus quagga)
Class - mammals
Detachment - equids
Family - horses
Genus - horses
Appearance
Striped animal of medium size and dense build, on relatively short legs. Body length 2-2.4 m, tail 47-57 cm, height at the withers 1.12-1.4 m, weight 290-340 kg. Males are only 10% larger than females. Another difference between males and females is a thicker neck. The mane is short, erect; brush at the end of the tail long hair. The coloration characteristic of zebras consists of alternating dark and light stripes, more precisely light stripes on a dark background. Each individual has its own unique pattern, it is as individual as human fingerprints. On the front of the body, the stripes run vertically, on the croup - closer to the longitudinal ones. The pattern of stripes is variable individually and geographically, which makes it possible to distinguish 6 subspecies. In general, in the northern subspecies of the Savannah zebra, the stripes are more pronounced and cover the entire body, while in the southern subspecies they are wider, tend to lighten and “blur” on the rump and legs, and “shadow”, light-colored stripes are distinguishable against the background of white stripes. brown stripes. The savannah zebra differs from the desert zebra in its smaller size and rarer stripes; from the mountain zebra - the absence of a "breast", a characteristic bulge on the neck, and a pattern in the form of a lattice on the croup.
Habitat
Widely distributed in southeast Africa, from southern Ethiopia to eastern South Africa and Angola.
Inhabiting savannahs and steppes, the savannah zebra prefers grass and grass-shrub pastures, especially those located on hills and gentle slopes of low mountains. However, it also occurs in partially forested areas with tall grass, which contributes to the expansion of its range compared to other zebras. At night, zebras migrate to open areas, which provide less cover for predators.
In nature
Zebras are herd polygamous animals living in family herds. At the head of the herd is a stallion no younger than 5-6 years old, the rest are females and young animals. The size of the herd depends on the habitat conditions; as a rule, there are no more than 9-10 heads in it. A herd occurs when a young stallion chooses a mare. Soon several more females join them, and they stay together until the end of their lives. The composition of the family herd is constant, although when attacked by predators or during migrations, it can temporarily disintegrate, or unite with other herds into herds up to tens and hundreds of animals in size. In addition, zebras often graze side by side with other herbivores. Grouping in large herds is a protective measure - it reduces the chances that a particular animal will become prey to predators. Members of the family herd recognize each other even at a considerable distance. Within the herd there is a hierarchy of females with the oldest mare at the head. Young stallions are expelled from the family group at the age of 1-3 years; before this, there is no antagonism between them and the mowing stallion. Single adult males form separate herds or stay alone. Mowing stallions breed the mares of their herd, not allowing outside males to approach them. However, even if a single stallion beats off the female, after covering she again returns to her herd. Old or sick stallions are expelled from the herd, which is accompanied by fights. In general, fights between adult stallions that lead herds, and between stallions and bachelors are rare.
The savanna zebra roams widely due to seasonal changes in feeding conditions, moving to wetter areas during the dry season. In arid areas like the Serengeti (Tanzania), the total length of the annual nomadic path is 805 km, while in the wetter Ngorongoro (Tanzania), zebras live settled all year round. One of the adult mares (usually the oldest) leads the herd during migrations; it is followed by foals in order of increasing age, then other females with young ones, and the stallion closes the procession. Places of grazing and watering are relatively permanent, but are not protected by members of the herd from other zebras and herbivores. The size of the feeding area of one herd can vary from 31 to 622 km².
They feed on herbaceous vegetation, eating about 50 types of herbs. Leaves and shoots are eaten smaller quantities. Zebras depend on water sources, as they must drink at least once a day, and never move a significant distance from them.
reproduction
The first estrus in mares occurs at the age of 13-15 months; a mowing stallion breeds females starting at 1.5 years of age. However, fertilization occurs no earlier than at 2-2.5 years, and for the first time the female brings a foal no earlier than at 3-3.5 years. Immature females are often beaten off and taken away from the herd by single males. Males become sexually mature at 3 years, but due to competition with older males, they collect their own harems not earlier than 5-6 years.
Zebras do not have a specific breeding season, although their peak birth occurs at the beginning of the rainy season, December-January. So, according to research in the Ngorongoro Reserve, in January - March (rainy season), 2/3 of the foals will be born, and in April - September (dry season) - only 1/10 part. Pregnancy lasts 346-390 days, with an average of 370 days. Litter 1, rarely 2 cubs weighing up to 30 kg. Within 10-15 minutes after birth, the foal stands up on its own, after 20 minutes it takes its first steps, after 30-45 minutes it travels noticeable distances, after an hour it starts sucking its mother. Usually, the first days after the appearance of the foal, the female does not let anyone get closer than 3 m to him. The mowing stallion, as a rule, keeps close to the giving birth mare and, if necessary, protects her. If the newborn is in danger (for example, from hyenas that roam in search of newborn ungulates), the mother hides with the cub in the herd, and all the zebras take part in their protection; however, the mortality of cubs from attacks by lions and hyenas is high - up to 50%. Although the foal begins to graze after a week, milk feeding continues until 12-16 months. Usually zebras bring a foal 1 time in 2-3 years, but 1/6 of the mares foals annually, becoming pregnant immediately after childbirth. Mares are able to foal up to 15-18 years.
It is necessary to ensure that animals do not overeat. This is especially true of human food: bread, chips, sugar, corn flakes. Cucumbers grown in your own greenhouse are not the best option for zebra treats. Wild animals get sick from such food, their water-salt balance is disturbed, and treatment is quite long and expensive.
In captivity, wild horses do not have the usual dangers, therefore, with good care, they live longer than in nature. On the other hand, animals in a corral live in a very limited area, do not have the opportunity to independently determine the composition of the herd, which cannot but affect their well-being. If possible, care should be taken to ensure that the animals move as much as possible, and adult stallions should be separated so that they do not fight.
When keeping zebras in captivity, special attention should be paid to the hooves. In nature, hooves wear down on the ground during movement. But in the pen, the movement of the animal is minimized. If the hooves are not sharpened, they become deformed, become ugly, and walking begins to bring pain to the zebra. Therefore, from time to time it is necessary to trim and grind off part of the hooves, which can only be done under general anesthesia.
But if zebras are well kept, if they are regularly examined by a veterinarian, they will please you for a long time.
Life expectancy in captivity reaches 40 years.
Most likely, the word "zebra" has African roots. It was borrowed from the native dialect (the word zebra) by the colonists. Together with an elephant, a giraffe, a lion and a hippopotamus, she is one of the symbols of the rich animal world of the sunny African continent.
After reviewing the information in the article, it will be possible to learn in more detail about where the zebra lives, on which mainland. Here you can read some Interesting Facts and about the features of the life of this animal.
Description, characteristics
Asking the question of where zebras and hippos live, we immediately imagine the savannah of Africa.
Zebra is a mammal of the order of equines from the genus of horses. Her body is of medium size, reaching more than 2 meters in length. The weight is 350 kg. The average length of the tail grows up to 50 cm. Usually, males are larger than females, and their height at the withers is approximately 1.5 meters. These animals have a stocky and dense physique, short legs ending in rather strong hooves. The short mane is tough. The central row of wool, running down the back from head to tail, looks like a brush. The neck is muscular, while in males it is thicker.
Compared to horses, zebras do not run very fast. But if necessary, their speed can develop up to 80 km / h. When a zebra is chased, it uses a special tactic - running in zigzags. This allows her to become inaccessible to many predators.
This animal sees poorly, but it has a well-developed sense of smell, which allows you to feel the danger at great distances. Zebra sounds are very diverse. They are similar to the barking of a dog, the neighing of a horse, the cries of a donkey, etc. And it all depends on the situation. Under favorable circumstances, under natural conditions, zebras can live up to 30 years, and in captivity they live even up to 40 years.
Where does the zebra live?
Plains zebras live in the savannas of Africa (east). Their range also includes part of the south of the mainland (south of Ethiopia and Sudan). Desert varieties of zebras live in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. Mountain populations are common in South Africa and Namibia at an altitude of mountainous areas up to 2000 meters.
Initially, zebras were distributed almost throughout the mainland, but today their numbers have greatly decreased.
A little about other animals
Where do leopard, puma, deer live? Zebra, where it lives, found out. Savannahs of Africa are the place of life and leopards (except deserts). You can meet them in the Front and East Asia(southern parts). It should be noted that there are no leopards where there is no fresh water.
The range of the cougar is South and North America. Its habitats coincide with the distribution areas of its main prey - deer. The main criterion for the area for these animals to live is the availability of enough food and places to hide from enemies.
The zebra, together with the elephant, giraffe, lion and hippopotamus, is one of the symbols of the animal world of the sunny continent. True, he is somewhat harsh and cruel where the zebras live. Lions and many other predators attack newly born cubs. In 50% of cases, they become victims of such animals as lions, crocodiles, hyenas, etc.
About the stripes on the body of a zebra
Many are interested in the answer to the question, what color is a zebra. Until now, there is no single answer about its color. Is the animal black with a white stripe or vice versa? Many scientists are of the opinion that the dominant color is black. It should be noted that the stripes on the skin of this animal make up a unique pattern for each individual.
On the head and neck, the stripes are arranged vertically, while the body has stripes at an angle. On the legs of a zebra, they are horizontal. This feature of the color is a kind of protection of this animal. This is due to the nature of the places where zebras live. In the savannah, the air is hot and trembling. In it, the zebra visually merges with the surrounding nature, disorienting predators. It is also a camouflage against tsetse flies and horseflies. They perceive the zebra as a black and white inedible object.
There is one interesting opinion that the black and white color is able to cool the body of the animal. This is due to the fact that areas of the body heat up in different ways: black ones are stronger, white ones are weaker. And the difference in temperatures contributes to the microcirculation of air currents around the animal, which helps it to live under the constantly scorching sun.
Zebra species
Below are 3 types of zebras.
Nutrition
Zebras feed on various herbs, shrub foliage, tree bark, young shoots, plant roots and buds. Relatively poor in terms of calories, the diet forces them to engage in eating most of the day. Zebras need water at least once a day, while lactating females need it all the time. When lakes and rivers dry up, animals dig holes and wells up to 50 cm deep, which are gradually filled with water.
In especially dry periods, the herd of animals migrates over long distances in search of food on green pastures.
Lifestyle
Where zebras live, family herds are formed under the leadership of an adult stallion. The main part of the herd is the females of the most different ages and their cubs. The head is the oldest mare. Males who have reached the age of 1-3 years form their own herd or live alone.
The female's pregnancy lasts approximately 370 days. A stallion guards a mare during the birth of a cub. Usually there is one foal in a litter (weight up to 30 kg), and very rarely twins are born. The baby gets up about 15 minutes after birth and almost immediately takes the first steps.
Milk from a zebra is an unusual pink color. It is intended for newborns. Despite good care, almost half of the foals die in infancy due to attacks by hyenas and lions.
- Zebras have a vicious and wild disposition. A driven individual can bite and kick, so it is problematic to tame it. At the same time, she is shy and even in the zoo she runs deep into the enclosure when a person approaches.
- Zebras like to wallow in the dust for a long time and often. In this way they get rid of annoying insects.
- Studies have proven that zebras have color vision.
- During the period of seasonal migrations, these animals, together with wildebeests, often gather in a single herd of more than one and a half million individuals.
- Zebra cubs recognize their mother by the unique stripes on their skin.
2. The word "zebra" (zebra) has African roots. It was borrowed from the dialect of the natives by the colonists. Together with an elephant, a giraffe, a lion and a hippopotamus, she is one of the symbols of the rich animal world of the sunny African continent, although it is somewhat harsh and cruel.
3.Zebras are one of the few species of odd-toed mammals, which also include horses and donkeys. Unpaired hooves are an adaptation for running fast on hard ground.
4. Zebras belong to the genus of horses, but among all representatives of this genus they have the most unusual appearance.
5. The Romans used zebras to pull circus wagons.
6.Zebras - inhabitants of African shrouds, steppes and mountain plateaus. They often migrate in search of food and water, uniting in herds and families into large herds. Such associations help them protect themselves from predators and safely reach new pastures.
7. Once upon a time in ancient times, people wanted to tame these animals. However, this did not bring positive results. It is even believed that the zebra is one of the most shy animals in nature.
8. Now only three species of zebras live: Burchell, or ordinary, mountain and Grevy. Two of them are listed in the International Red Book as an endangered species (mountain and Grevy).
9. The reasons for the disappearance of zebras are: sport hunting for zebras, as well as hunting for valuable skins, the loss of the most suitable territories for animals due to population growth.
10. With the help of a special project, scientists from South Africa are trying to restore the extinct subspecies of zebra - the quagga.
Grevy's Zebra
11. The desert variety of zebra is named after Jules Grevy (one of the French presidents of the 19th century), who received a striped animal as a gift from the authorities of Abyssinia. This is the largest animal from the horse family. Its length is up to 3 meters, weight - more than 400 kg. Distinctive feature- the predominance of white-yellow or white color, as well as a dark wide stripe stretching along the center of the back. Grevy's stripes are thinner and closer, and on the abdomen they are completely absent.
12. Zebra Grevy is common in Ethiopia, Kenya, Meru, Uganda, Somalia.
13.B Ancient Rome Grevy's zebras were called "hippotigris" and were trained to pull cards in the circus.
14. Zebra is a very clean animal. They take care of each other's skin very reverently and affectionately. By the way, after all, what kind of “skin” do they have, black and white or white and black? Scientists finally shed light and gave a definite answer - zebras have black and white stripes!
15. Zebras can interbreed with donkeys, horses and ponies. The result is a hybrid offspring. Such hybrids are called zebroids or zebrules.
mountain zebra
16. Mountain populations of zebras are common in South Africa and Namibia at an altitude of mountainous areas up to 2000 meters. Initially, zebras were distributed almost throughout the mainland, but today their numbers have greatly decreased.
17. The mountain zebra has the darkest coloration, where black tones predominate. The white stripes are thin. On the legs, they can be traced to the very hooves. Weight - from 260 to 370 kg, length - 2.2 meters.
18. There is a species of zebra named Asinus Burchelli. They received this name after the conflict between William John Burschel and John Edward Grey. Burshel brought one of the specimens of such a zebra to the British Museum, but the zebra died. To confuse Burschel, Gray gave the zebras a name that means Burchelli's Ass.
19. In Roman circuses, the zebra was usually called "tiger-horse", or "horse-tiger".
20. Representatives of the national American culture treat zebras as a symbol of balance and confidence on the road.
Burchell's zebra
21. Burchell's zebra lives in the savannas of southeast Africa. This is the most common species, which got its name in honor of W. Burchell (English botanist). The pattern of the skin of this species of zebra varies depending on the habitat: the northern subspecies have a more pronounced pattern, the southern ones are distinguished by the presence of beige shades on a white background and blurred stripes in the lower body. Weight - up to 340 kg.
22. Zebras can rotate their ears in almost any direction. They use this ability to keep in touch with the rest of the herd.
23. Frequent migrations and transitions of zebras helped them gain endurance and stamina even in the most difficult conditions. But in addition to endurance, zebras also have other qualities and skills that help them survive in the difficult conditions of wild Africa.
24. Why do zebras have stripes? When zebras gather together, it is difficult for predators to choose one horse from the pack.
25. Different types of zebras have different types of stripes - from narrow to wide. In fact, the further you travel to the south of the African peninsula, the more different the colors of zebras will be.
26. Pregnancy of a female lasts approximately 370 days. A stallion guards a mare during the birth of a cub. Usually there is one foal in a litter (weight up to 30 kg), and very rarely twins are born. The baby gets up about 15 minutes after birth and almost immediately takes the first steps. Milk from a zebra is an unusual pink color. It is intended for newborns. Despite good care, almost half of the foals die in infancy due to attacks by hyenas and lions.
27. Where zebras live, family herds are formed under the leadership of an adult stallion. The main part of the herd is females of various ages and their cubs. The head is the oldest mare. Males who have reached the age of 1–3 years form their own herd or live alone.
28. Under favorable circumstances, in natural conditions, zebras can live up to 30 years, and in captivity they live even up to 40 years.
29. When a zebra is chased, it uses a special tactic - running in zigzags. This allows her to become inaccessible to many predators. This animal sees poorly, but it has a well-developed sense of smell, which allows you to feel the danger at great distances.
30. Plain zebras live in meadows and are distributed throughout the continent, in places where there are necessary conditions - grass and water. Mountain zebras live, as the name implies, in mountainous areas on the territory of the arid African states of Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Grevy's zebras live in the area covered with bushes and grass in eastern Africa - Kenya and Ethiopia. Usually antelopes are found in the same places, so both species receive additional protection from predators.
31. During seasonal migrations, these animals, together with wildebeests, often gather in a single herd of more than one and a half million individuals.
32. Zebras have black skin under their fur, which is why many claim that zebras have white stripes on a black background, but others dispute this claim.
33. In height, adult zebras can reach from 110 to 150 centimeters, if you do not take into account the head. The weight of zebras can vary greatly depending on the subspecies - from 175 to 380 kilograms. Males are usually 10 percent heavier than females.
34. Zebra sounds are very diverse. They are similar to the barking of a dog, the neighing of a horse, the cries of a donkey, etc. It all depends on the situation.
35. Zebra stripes are unique. Their uniqueness can be compared to human fingerprints. How do zebras find each other in a whole herd? And the newly born foal to his mother? Precisely for the striped, unique color no one else has.
Zebra (lat. Hirrotigris) - animals from the subgenus Zebra and the genus Horse. Hirrotigris includes Burchell's zebras (Equus quagga), Grevy's zebras (Equus grevyi), and mountain zebras (Equus zebra). The hybrid forms of a zebra and a domestic horse that are currently encountered are called zebroids, and zebras and a donkey are called zebrules.
Description of the zebra
According to scientists, about 4.5 million years ago, the Equus line was formed, which became the progenitor of such modern animals as horses, zebras and donkeys. Adult zebras are distinguished by their special grace and bewitching beauty.
Appearance, color
Zebras are among the animals that have a medium-sized body two meters long.. The average weight of an adult zebra is about 310-350 kg. The tail part is of medium length, within 48-52 cm. Zebra males are larger than females, so the height of such an animal at the withers is often one and a half meters. The odd-hoofed mammal has a fairly dense and stocky build, as well as relatively short limbs that end in strong and developed hooves. Males have special fangs that help the animal in the battle for the safety of the entire herd.
It is interesting! Representatives of the Horse family have a short and stiff mane. The central row of pile is characterized by passing in the back area with a “brush”, which runs from the head to the tail.
The neck of the zebra is quite muscular, but thicker in males. An adult zebra is not very fast compared to horses, but if desired, such an animal is able to reach speeds of up to 70-80 km per hour. Zebras run away from their pursuers in a kind of zigzags, therefore such artiodactyls are practically inaccessible prey for many species of predatory animals.
Zebras are distinguished by relatively poor eyesight, but a well-developed sense of smell, which allows them to sense potential danger even for quite a long time. long distance, as well as timely warn about the threat of the herd. The sounds that artiodactyls make can be very diverse: they look like a dog barking, reminiscent of a horse neighing or a donkey cry.
Zebra species
The Zebra subgenus includes only three species of artiodactyl mammals:
- Zebra burchellova or savannah(lat. Equus quagga or E.burchelli) - is the most common species, named after the famous English botanist Burchell. A feature of the pattern on the skin of the species is the ability to change depending on the habitat, therefore six main subspecies are distinguished. The northern subspecies are characterized by a more pronounced pattern, while the southern subspecies are distinguished by a blurred stripe pattern on the lower body and the presence of beige stripes on a white skin. The size of an adult is 2.0-2.4 m, with an average tail length of 47-57 cm and an animal height at the withers of up to 1.4 m. The average weight of a zebra varies from 290 to 340 kg;
- Grevy's Zebra or desert(lat. E.grevyi), named after the President of France, belongs to the category of the largest animals from the Horse family. The average body length of Grevy's zebra reaches three meters with a weight of more than 390-400 kg. The length of the tail of the desert zebra is about half a meter. A distinctive species feature is represented by the predominance of white or whitish-yellow color and the presence of a wide dark stripe running in the middle of the dorsal region. The stripes on the skin are thinner and quite close to each other;
- Zebra mountain(lat. E.zebra) is characterized by a darker color with a predominance of black and white thin stripes, reaching on the limbs to the hoof area. The weight of an adult mountain zebra can be 265-370 kg, with a body length of 2.2 m and a height of no more than one and a half meters.
It is interesting! Extinct species include the subspecies of the Burchell zebra - Quagga (lat. E.quagga quagga), which lived in South Africa and was distinguished by its striped coloration, complemented by a bay horse color.
Slightly less common are hybrids obtained from crossing a zebra with a domestic horse or donkey. Hybridization most often involves the use of a male zebra and females that are representatives of other families. Zebroids to their own appearance more like a horse, but have a partially striped color. Hybrids are usually quite aggressive, but can be trained, thanks to which they are used as riding and pack animals.
Range, habitats
The main habitat of the Burchell or Savannah zebra is represented by the southeastern part of the African continent. According to the observations of specialists, the habitat of the plain subspecies is the savannas of East Africa, as well as the southern part of the mainland, Sudan and Ethiopia. The Grevy species has become quite widespread in the subequatorial belt in eastern Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as Meru. Mountain zebras inhabit the highlands of South Africa and Namibia at an altitude of no more than two thousand meters.
It is interesting! Adult zebras and young animals of such artiodactyls are very fond of wallowing in ordinary dust.
Among other things, "striped horses" get along well with a small bird called a bull woodpecker. Birds sit on a zebra and use their beaks to select various harmful insects from the skin. Artiodactyls are able to calmly graze in the company of many other harmless herbivores, represented by buffaloes, antelopes, gazelles and giraffes, as well as ostriches.
Zebra diet
Zebras are herbivores that predominantly feed on a variety of herbaceous plant species, as well as bark and shrubs. An adult artiodactyl animal prefers feeding on short and green grass that grows in close proximity to the ground. There are some dietary differences different types and subspecies of zebra. Desert zebras most often feed on fairly coarse grassy vegetation, which is practically not digested by many other animals belonging to the Horse family. Also, these species are characterized by eating fibrous grasses with a rigid structure, including Eleusis.
Desert zebras, which massively inhabit arid regions, actively eat bark and foliage, which is due to the lack of conditions favorable for the growth of grass cover. The mountain zebra's diet is largely based on grasses, including Themeda triandra and many other common species. Some artiodactyl mammals may eat buds and shoots, fruit and corn stalks, and the root portion of many plants.
Zebras need a sufficient amount of water every day to survive. All representatives of the Horse family spend a significant part of the daylight hours on natural grazing.
