What kind of animal is a zebra? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. There is probably no one who doesn’t know about this animal, but it is also known that there are many subspecies. So what kind of subspecies are there? Where do you work? I will summarize and explain everything.
What is a zebra? About basic status
Zebras are mammals with distinct black and white stripes on their bodies. It is a popular animal in the class Mammalia, perissodactyla, family Equina, genus Equida. Depending on the species, the body length is 200-300 cm, the shoulder height is 140-160 cm, and the weight is 300-500 kg.
| Japanese（和名） | シマウマ |
| English（英名） | Zebra |
| scientific name(学名) | Equus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Perissodactyla、Equidae、Equus 哺乳綱、奇蹄目、ウマ科、ウマ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | NEAR THREATENED～ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 200-300cm |
| Weight（体重） | 300-500kg |
About classification
There are many subspecies of zebra. Each species is widespread in Africa, but all are in critical condition as they are all designated as endangered species. The pattern varies depending on the subspecies. A leading theory is that the reason zebras have stripes is to “lower their body temperature.” The same goes for giraffes.
| Name (名前) | Scientific Name (学名) | Habit （生息地） |
| grevy zebra グレビーシマウマ | Equus grevyi | Southern Ethiopia, Kenya エチオピア南部、ケニア |
| savannah zebra サバンナシマウマ | Equus quagga | Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe アンゴラ、ボツワナ、コンゴ民主共和国、エスワティーニ、エチオピア、ケニア、マラウイ、モザンビーク、ナミビア、ルワンダ、南アフリカ、南スーダン、タンザニア、ウガンダ、ザンビア、ジンバブエ |
| Mountain zebra ヤマシマウマ | Equus zebra | Republic of South Africa, Namibia, Angola 南アフリカ共和国、ナミビア、アンゴラ |
Equus grevyi
Grevy’s zebra is a zebra that lives from Ethiopia to Kenya. It is the largest zebra, living in savannahs and semi-desert areas, with a body length of 200-300 cm. They have many fine stripes compared to other zebras. This zebra is listed as an endangered species.
Equus quagga
Savannah zebras are fairly large, measuring 127-140cm in height and 217-246cm in length. Due to its wide range of habitat, it is classified as a near-threatened species, but there are still a large number of them. It is characterized by thick black and white stripes.
Equus zebra
The mountain zebra is 215-260cm long. Tail length 40-55m. Shoulder height 120-150cm. There are two subspecies: the Cape mountain zebra and the Hartman mountain zebra. The fur on the whole body is white, with thin black stripes on the back. It is designated as an endangered species.
Where is the habitat?
Zebras are widely distributed on the African continent. Most of its relatives live in the east.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Zebras have distinctive coat colors with distinct black and white stripes. They have a keen sense of sight and smell, and excellent hearing, allowing them to detect enemies and escape. Zebras’ black and white stripes are visible even from a distance, but they actually serve as a protective color. Zebras live not only in grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands, but also in hills and mountains.
What is your personality like?
Zebras have very rough temperaments and are very cautious, making them completely unsuitable for horseback riding, and they are said to be difficult to train. It is not suitable for riding or transporting at all. When attacked by carnivores, they use teamwork to retreat, making them highly social animals.
What is the ecology like?
Zebras primarily eat grass, but they also eat fruits, tree buds, shrubs, and twigs. Breeding is polygamous and breeds throughout the year. The gestation period is one year, and it is possible to give birth to 1-2 calves at a time. Zebras have a lifespan of about 20 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity.
What are the natural enemies of zebras?
The zebra’s natural enemy is the lion.
Are zebras an endangered species?
Zebras, including most subspecies, are listed as endangered. Due to their ferocious nature, they are completely unsuitable for livestock, and are headed toward extinction. The reasons are as follows.
habitat destruction
Habitat destruction by humans is the biggest problem. Due to land development, habitat areas are shrinking and becoming fragmented. Competition with livestock is also a big problem.
Overhunting for food and fur
Overhunting for food and fur is also a problem. Illegal hunting is very common in Africa, and animals are hunted as a means of making money.
Can zebras be kept?
For the reasons mentioned above, they are designated as an endangered species and have a very violent personality, so they are not suitable for breeding at all. It is also not suitable for livestock. Let’s enjoy it at the zoo. There is information on events, etc.
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