Grevy’s Zebra
Equus grevyi

• There are three species of Zebra, Grevy’s, Plains and Mountain.
• A species called the Quagga became extinct in the early 1900’s.
• Grevy’s Zebra is named after Jules Grevy, president of France in the 1880’s.
• Grevy’s Zebra has very narrow and closely spaced stripes remaining vertical until above the legs.
• Foals are left in “kindergartens” guarded by the male while the mothers go for water. Newborn foals can walk within a few minutes of birth and can run at 45 minutes of age.
• Grevy pelts were in style as clothing during the 1970’s as well as being popular for rugs. Several regional populations were completely wiped out for fashion.
• There are many theories as to why zebra have stripes including:
  
• when the herd is on the move, stripes make individuals difficult to pinpoint.
• air-conditioning: fat under the black stripes, causes the air to circulate. Sweaty, hot air rises off the animal and is replaced by cooler, dryer air.
• they serve as identification like fingerprints.
• they help keep herds together; studies have shown zebras are attracted even by artificial stripes.
• They bray the same as a donkey.
• Grevy’s are endangered due to agricultural and livestock expansion as well as being killed for their pelts.