Zebra Facts
A zebra is an African mammal in the horse genus Equus, covered in a black-and-white striped coat with a pattern unique to each animal.
- Class
- Mammal
About the zebra
Three species live today: Grevy's zebra, the plains zebra and the mountain zebra. Zebras range across eastern and southern Africa in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands and mountains. They mostly graze and can live on poor-quality plants. Lions are their main predator, and while zebras usually run, they will also bite and kick. Most evidence suggests the stripes help keep biting flies away.
Plains and mountain zebras live in stable harems of one stallion, several mares and their foals. Grevy's zebras live alone or in loose herds, with males holding territories that draw in females. Zebras talk to each other with calls, body postures and facial expressions, and grooming helps strengthen bonds.
Did you know?
- Horses and donkeys were tamed long ago, but zebras have never been fully domesticated.
- Exotic animal collectors once prized zebras highly.
- The horse family, Equidae, has just three living groups: horses, asses and zebras.
Questions about the zebra
Why do zebras have stripes?
Several theories exist, and most evidence supports the stripes deterring biting flies.
Where do zebras live?
In eastern and southern Africa, in savannas, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands and mountains.
Sources
- Wikidata Q32789, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Zebra, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.