Knowra Zebra Zebra A zebra is an African wild equid distinguished by a coat of dark and light stripes. The living species are the plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and mountain zebra.
Plains zebra : The most widespread zebra species, native to grasslands and savannas across eastern and southern Africa. Its broad range and many local forms make it the most familiar zebra.
Animal coat color : The coloration of an animal’s fur, feathers, or other external covering. Zebra stripes arise from patterns of pigment in the coat.
Migration : Seasonal movement between regions, often driven by changes in food, water, or breeding conditions. Plains zebras join some of Africa’s largest seasonal migrations.
Horse : A domesticated equid, Equus caballus, used for transport, work, sport, and companionship. Horses are close equid relatives, but zebras have never been domesticated in the same way.
Grevy’s zebra : The largest living wild equid, native to arid grasslands of Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Its narrow stripes, large ears, and arid habitat distinguish it from other zebras.
Melanocyte : A pigment-producing cell that synthesizes melanin in skin, hair, and other tissues. Melanocytes produce the dark pigment present in zebra stripes.
Serengeti : A vast ecosystem of grasslands and woodlands spanning northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya. Its annual migration includes large herds of plains zebras.
Donkey : A domesticated equid descended from the African wild ass. Donkeys and zebras are distinct equid lineages with different histories of domestication.
Mountain zebra : A zebra species of southwestern Africa, adapted to rugged, dry mountain and plateau habitats. Its two subspecies show how zebra populations are adapted to different landscapes.
Tsetse fly : A blood-feeding African fly that transmits parasites causing sleeping sickness and nagana. Experiments suggest striped patterns can disrupt the flies’ approach and landing.
Show all 20