The Secret Lives of Wild Animals — Text-only | Flash Special Report
Zebra

Quick Facts
PLAINS ZEBRA
(Equus burchelli)

SIZE
Plains zebras are 47-55 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh about 650 pounds.

HABITAT and RANGE
Plains zebras are abundant in the grassy plains of eastern and southern Africa.

DIET
They feed mainly on a variety of grasses and occasionally on leaves and twigs.

CHARACTERISTICS
Plains zebras are very social animals. They live in family groups with one dominant male, several females and their recent offspring. Several groups often come together to form a herd, which may associate with other species, including wildebeests.

A zebra’s stripe pattern is unique and can be used for identification throughout its life.

Images:
Researchers are using newly developed global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars and video surveillance to learn more about the environmental needs and habits of Plains Zebras in Africa.
Credit:
Nicolle Rager Fuller,
National Science Foundation