READING BETWEEN THE STRIPES

LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM ZEBRAS

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Zebras are African equids, and therefore part of the horse family. Whilst there are obviously big differences between zebras and horses – the stripes being a fairly significant one(!) – there is much we can learn from observing zebras in their natural habitat. Over the next couple of issues, we’ll be looking at certain aspects of zebra behaviour and health, to see what we can learn from these beautiful animals in the context of our domesticated horses at home. In this article, we look at some basic zebra facts and information, to set the scene for what is to come in the next issues.

THE BASIC INFO

There are three species, which are all native to Africa. There are differences between them, but they all have the characteristic black and white striped coats. Their stripes form different patterns, unique to each individual, much like a human fingerprint. They are social animals, living in small or large herds, although when there is a migration to a new feeding area, ‘super herds’ sometimes form, which can consist of thousands of zebras! Unlike donkeys and horses, zebras have never been truly domesticated.

The three species of zebra are: the mountain zebra, the plains zebra and Grevy’s zebra. The mountain zebra and plains zebra belong to the Hippotigris subgenus, while Grevy’s zebra is the sole species in the Dolichohippus subgenus. The Grevy’s zebra resembles a donkey, while the mountain and plains zebras look more like a horse. All three species belong to the genus