Zebras are social African equids best known for their unmistakable black-and-white stripes. Their distinctive striped coat serves a number of functions—for example, the pattern of stripes, unique to each animal, helps them identify one another, and when in a large group, these stripes also make it difficult for predators to isolate an individual prey to chase. Today, there are three species: the plains zebra (Equus quagga), the Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) and the mountain zebra (Equus zebra). The plains zebra, by far the most common and geographically widespread of the three, is featured in the film Great Zebra Exodus. Learn about zebra anatomy, diet, habitat, and social structure.
Designed by Karen Brazell. Produced by Kate Fulton.
