African equines with characteristic black-and-white striped coats are known as zebras. The Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi), the plains zebra (Equus quagga), and the mountain zebra (Equus montanus) are the three surviving species (E. zebra). Horses and asses share the genus Equus, and the three species are the only extant members of the family Equidae. Zebra stripes occur in a variety of patterns, each one unique. The purpose of these stripes has been the subject of several theories, with the majority of evidence pointing to them as a sort of defense against biting flies. Zebras may be found in a range of habitats throughout eastern and southern Africa, including savannahs, grasslands, woods, shrublands, and hilly regions.

Zebras are grazers who can live off of lower-quality plants. Lions hunt on them mostly, and they generally retreat when threatened, although they may also bite and kick. Plains and mountain zebra live in stable harems with an adult male or stallion, numerous adult females or mares, and their young or foals, whereas Grévy’s zebra live alone or in loosely linked groups. Adult females only mate with their harem stallion in harem-holding species, but male Grévy’s zebras build territories that attract females, thus the species is promiscuous. Zebras use a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and facial expressions to communicate. Plains and mountain zebras both benefit from communal grooming.

The bright stripes of zebras make them one of the most easily recognized animals. They’ve been included in African and international art and tales. Exotic animal collectors have long been interested in zebras, but unlike horses and donkeys, they have never been completely tamed. The Grévy’s zebra is endangered, the mountain zebra is fragile, and the plains zebra is near-threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The quagga, a plains zebra, was nearly extinct in the nineteenth century. Zebras, on the other hand, may be found in a variety of protected locations.

Zebra have barrel-chested bodies with tufted tails, elongated faces, and long necks with long, upright manes, just like other wild equines. Their long, thin legs terminate in a single spade-shaped toe with a strong hoof. Their dentition is grazing-adapted, with powerful incisors that clip grass blades and strongly crowned, ridged molars that are well suited for grinding. Spade-shaped canines are seen in males and can be used as weapons in combat. Zebras have eyes on the sides of their heads and high up on their heads, allowing them to see above the thick grass while grazing. Their moveable, somewhat long, upright ears can detect the source of a sound.

Zebras and asses, unlike horses, exclusively have chestnut callosities on their front limbs. Zebra forelimbs are longer than their back limbs, in contrast to other surviving equines. The zebra skull is distinguished by its small size, straight profile, more projecting eye sockets, smaller rostrum, decreased postorbital bar, a V-shaped groove between the metaconid and metastylid of the teeth, and rounded enamel walls on both half.

Download Zebra Silhouette PNG transparent background images