Grevy's Zebra
Equus grevyi
WILD STATUS
Endangered
Endangered
DISTRIBUTION
They are now found in desert areas of northern Kenya, Eritrea and north-east Ethiopia. Previously known in Somalia, but not seen in recent times.
SIZE
Grevy’s Zebra is the largest species of zebra.
Weight can reach 363 kg (800 lbs).
HABITAT
Grevy’s Zebra are mainly found on grasslands and arid plains.
REPRODUCTION
A single foal is born every two years after 11-13 months gestation period.
DIET
Grevy’s Zebra eat coarse grasses, sedges, fruit, roots, bark and leaves.
A single foal is born every two years after 11-13 months gestation period.
DIET
Grevy’s Zebra eat coarse grasses, sedges, fruit, roots, bark and leaves.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- 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 for Jules Grevy, president of France in the 1880’s.
- Grevy’s Zebra has very narrow and closely spaced stripes remaining vertical until above the hind 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.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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