Zebras
African mammals from the horse family, zebras owe their world fame for the black and white stripes on their bodies that represent the very label of their individuality. From small groups to very large herds, zebras are part of the African landscape and no one likes to come to the black continent and not see these splendid animals.
There are three major species of zebras, the mountain zebras, the plains zebras and the Grevy's each with specific features and behaviors additional to the common traits. There are large parts of Kenya where Grevy's or imperial zebras coexist with plain zebras for instance; they are the most similar to their horse relatives unlike the mountain subspecies that resembles asses most.
Though living only in Africa, zebras are adapted to a very wide range of habitats from mountains and hills to woodlands, savannas and grasslands. Presently, the number of zebras roaming in the wild is definitely smaller than a century ago since the development of human civilization has had its impact on the zebra population, not to mention that for quite a while they were abusively hunted for their skins.
The zebras color pattern functions as some form of print, every individual is unique and the members of a group are able to identify each other thanks to these very patterns. Moreover, the stripes have a very important camouflage function against predators like lions. The stripes create the impression of waving grass particularly when the zebras are gathered in a herd and lions have great difficulty spotting them because of their monochromatic view.
Zebras have great eyesight, and scientists believe that they are able to distinguish colors. Moreover, night vision is one other remarkable skill together with a great sense of hearing. This complex alert system enables the animals to turn their ears in all directions sensing danger in no time, and last but not least, the smell and taste are also superior to that of other mammals.
In terms of food sources, zebras don't get to starve as they are very adaptable grazers, feeding on herbs, twigs, trees bark, shrubs or leaves. Unlike other herbivores that need a high amount of nutrients, zebras can subsist on less nutritional food for quite long periods of time thanks to their very good digestive system that is able to extract nutritive substances from almost anything.
When it comes to mating habits, there are specificities to each zebras subspecies, as some live in harems consisting of mares guarded by a stallion, whereas others get in groups for a few months every year to mate and then resume a more solitary life. The mating cycle occurs once a year for females and they usually give birth to one foal only.
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