GRANT'S ZEBRA

Grant's ZebraEquus burchelli

Conservation Status: Lower Risk / Near Threatened

Habitat loss, drought

Vulnerability-_Near Threatened

CLASS

Mammalia

ORDER

Perrisodactyla

FAMILY

Equidae

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General Characteristics:

Color: 

Striped black and white

Size:

Body 98 inches; shoulder 55 inches

Weight:

772 lbs

Average Lifespan: 

9 years

Captive Lifespan:

Up to 40 years

Distribution:

Eastern sub-Saharan Africa from Sudan and Ethopia to Nambia, Botswana, and South Africa

Habitat:

Mesic grasslands 

Reproduction:

Mating: 

Polygamous. Polyestrous.

Gestation/Incubation:

12 months

Litter/Clutch Size:

1

Mature: 

Puberty 15 –22 months; males at 24 months

Diet:

Grasses, must have access to water

Behavior:

Stable family (harem) groups composed of one male and up to six females and their offspring. Create strong family bonds.

Teaching Facts:

1. Zebras migrate long distances and can survive on coarser vegetation of poorer quality.

2. 6 calls and 2 facial expressions are used between individuals

3. Able to recognize each other by stripe pattern