Characteristics of the zebra to further admire these wild animals of the African savannah.
The fur of these animals is extremely characteristic, it is enough to recognize the pattern of black and white stripes to be sure that it is a zebra. These equids have general patterns in their stripes, however, their fur is like their fingerprint, no two specimens are the same in the world.
Zebra Features
genus equus
Zebras are mammals that belong to the same family as horses and donkeys, that is, Equidae. The legs with a single toe covered with a helmet, is perhaps the characteristic that most distinguishes them. However, one of the characteristics of the zebra that most distinguishes it from the previous ones is its pattern on its fur that horses or donkeys do not present.
three species
Despite the fact that they are known as a common group, these equines in turn are made up of three species of zebras:
Each of these species has its own general pattern of fur stripe distribution, although as we already mentioned, each is unique in its kind.
Distribution
Zebras were once distributed throughout the African continent, however, they became extinct in the northern part. Now it is only possible to observe them in the extreme south of Africa, it is the only place in the world where they can be seen in their natural habitat.
Contrary to what one might think, the African savannahs are not their only ecosystem, they also inhabit the desert.
White with black stripes or black with white stripes?
Among the characteristics of the zebra, there is one in particular that generates great questioning. But the biggest unknown about zebras has been revealed: they are black animals with white stripes and not the other way around.
Camouflage
The reason for its striped patterns is not yet clear, but experts believe that it could have a camouflage function. Their striped fur can make it difficult for predators to target a single individual in a running herd. It is also believed that these could distort the distance at dawn and dusk.
Name marked on the skin
But the most exciting theory of all that has been put forward regarding their fur is that the patterns are a way they can recognize each other. As if they had their name marked on their skin.
Denture designed for grazing
As expected, the evolution of its morphology responds to its distribution and the available food. Zebras are herbivores, so their teeth are fully designed to feed on grass. They have a total of forty teeth, among which are twelve incisors to tear off pieces of vegetation. They also possess four canines (fangs), twelve premolars, and twelve molars.
How much?
They are usually not that tall, in general they measure 1.3 meters in height, by 2.3 meters in length and weigh about 350 kilograms. With the exception of the Grevy zebras that can weigh up to 450 kilograms.
Longevity
The average life expectancy of a zebra is approximately thirty years in captivity, thanks to the fact that they are not exposed to constant danger from predators. However, in the wild the average longevity is about twelve years of age.
Gestation
Zebra mares can bring into the world a foal every 12 months, which is the amount of time that their gestation lasts.
they live in herd
Zebras must be alert at all times for predators, for this they live in a herd and have many eyes watching. If one of the herd members is injured, the herd comes to their defense by surrounding the injured zebra and trying to scare off predators.
Night vision
The position of their eyes on the sides of the head favors a large field of vision that allows them to be alert to predators. In addition, they have excellent vision, in fact it is believed that they can see colors and have night vision. The latter perhaps not as advanced as that of most of its predators.
great listeners
As is natural in an animal that lives surrounded by its main predator; the lion, the sense of hearing is synonymous with survival. They have larger, rounder ears than horses, and an extremely keen sense of hearing. Also, their ears are an indicator to communicate their mood.
sleep standing up
During the day, zebras never lie on the ground to sleep, but sleep standing up just like horses. They only use the resource of lying down when they have other animals around to warn them about the presence of predators.
impossible to tame
Like horses, they have been domesticated for centuries. But the nature of zebras obeys the wildness of the savannah and domesticating them has so far been an impossible task.
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