The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii), also known as the common zebra, is one of three species of zebra that are indigenous to Africa, the other two being the larger Grevy's Zebra and the smaller Mountain Zebra. All species of zebra can be identified from other equids by the black-and-white striped markings across their body. In the Plains Zebra, these uniquely run all the way around the animals belly and, in some subspecies, may also feature faded shadow-stripes in between the regular stripes. The purpose of a zebra's stripes is debated, with proposed reasons including identification among individuals (as each zebra has its own unique stripe pattern), confusing predators in a herd or deterring flying insects.
The Plains Zebra lives on the African savannah and feeds almost exclusively on grass. They typically live in groups known as harems, consisting of a male and several females along with their young. These in turn can form other harems to become a herd.
- Zebras may be able to recogonize other zebras by the pattern of stripes on their bodies.
- Although they are less cooperative than horses, zebras can be tamed and trained to pull carriages, but they are very difficult to ride.
- Zebras signal to each other with body language and sounds in the same way that domesticated horses do. Lowered ears, for example, show that a zebra is likely to kick, while a snort shows that it is alarmed.
- During the course of a day, a zebra herd may wander 12 miles (20 km) or more in search of food, usually returning to the same resting place each evening.
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