Grevy's zebra (2024)

Most famously, zebras have black and white stripes. Grevy's are the largest of all zebras, and they have long necks with prominent, erect manes. They have the largest ears of any zebra species, and their long, narrow heads give them a mule-like appearance.

The two major characteristics that set zebras apart from their two closest relatives are their very distinct black and white stripes andtheir untamablewild nature. The black and white stripes appear all over the zebra's body, even on their mane and ears. Whiletheir coat is black and white, their skin is dark brown or black.Grevy's zebra have about 80 stripes in all.

Grevy's zebras have many other adaptations that are common to all zebras. They have long, slender legs and hoofed feet that allow them to run quickly in an effort to avoid fast-moving predators. Grevy's zebras also have very keen eyesight. Their large eyes are set far back on their heads, which provides a wide field of vision and the ability tospot movement at great distances.

Grevy's zebras' teeth are well adapted for grazing. They use their upper and lower incisors to clip vegetation and high-crowned, ridged molars for grinding. All of their teeth are elongated and covered with thick enamel to allow them to chew tough, abrasive grass constantly. Males have four more teeth than females: short, pointed canines used for fighting.

Populations of Grevy's zebra live in Ethiopia and northern Kenya, with a small introduced population in southern Kenya. Fewer than 100 remain in Ethiopia and fewer than 2,400 in Kenya. Grevy's zebra have been extirpated from Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia. Grevy's zebras live in semi-arid scrub and grasslands and prefer hot, dry regions. They can often be seen on the open plains mingling with other grazing animals such as wildebeest, ostriches and antelopes.

Grevy's zebras feed mainly on grasses but they will also consume bark, fruit and leaves. Poor nutrient content requires a high volume of intake, so they spend about 60 percent of their day eating. In drier times when food is scarce, eating can occupy up to 80 percent of their time. Zebras are beneficial to other wild grazers because they clear off the tops of coarse grasses that are difficult for other herbivores to digest.

To provide the proper amount of roughage in the diet, the Smithsonian's National Zoo feeds a balanced ratio of a manufactured pellet diet and hay. Typically, a nutrient composition of hay is variable. In contrast, manufactured pellet diets provide a consistent supply of nutrients.Grevy's zebras are also given leaf eater biscuits while training and offered salt licks.

Unlike all other species of zebras, Grevy's zebras do not form permanent herds or permanent social bonds between adults. Mares and their latest foals make up the basis for Grevy social structure. These mare-foal units can combine together with other mares and foals. These "herds" do not have hierarchies and are subject to change. These female herds usually include fewer than ten mares, but much larger groups can be seen together around water sources in the dry season. Meanwhile, male zebras also form loose bachelor herds—usually between two to six stallions. These groups have no apparent leader or dominance hierarchy and constantly change as more zebras enter or leave the herd.

Many adult male Grevy's zebras live alone and occupy large territories. Males without territories usually form bachelor herds. These free-ranging groups often wander into areas occupied by a resident male. Territorial males tolerate other males and often will seek out their company unless there is a female in estrus nearby. In this case, the resident male will chase off all other males and try to mate with the female and keep her from leaving his area. Two males will compete for a territory by having pushing contests, rearing and biting. Females have a dominance hierarchy, as well, but engage in mutual grooming to establish relationships with each other. Females with young may form loose nursery herds.

Grevy's zebras are endangered. Now confined to northern Kenya and southern and eastern Ethiopia, Grevy's zebras have faced one of the greatest range reductions of any African mammal. They no longer live in Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti, and may be gone from Sudan as well. There may be fewer than 2,500 Grevy's zebras in the wild.

Historically, Grevy's zebras have been hunted for their meat and attractive skins, which are used to make consumer items such as coats, rugs, and bags. To help increase the number of Grevy's zebras, Kenya banned all hunting of zebras in May of 1977 and all trading of wildlife products in March of 1978. Ethiopia has also legally protected this species.

Habitat loss continues to be a problem. Grevy's zebras must compete with an increasing number of domestic livestock for water and food. Badly managed tourism, like off-road driving, can limit their access to breeding and watering sites—areas essential for their survival.