Animal Profiles
Mammals

Zebra

Equus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Zebras are the striped African members of the horse genus Equus. Different zebra species live in grassland, dry country and some mountain habitats.

A zebra standing side-on in dry grassland.

Plains zebra, one of the zebra species within Equus.

Zenith4237 · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Sub-Saharan Africa, with the exact range and habitat depending on species.
Habitat
Grassland, Savanna
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Mainly grasses, with other plant foods when available.

Classification

Common name
Zebra
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Equus
Taxon rank
genus
Order
Perissodactyla
Family
Equidae
Genus
Equus
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Zebras are members of the horse genus.
  • Stripe patterns differ between species.
  • Grasses make up much of their diet.

Habitat and range

Sub-Saharan Africa, with the exact range and habitat depending on species.

Appearance and adaptations

Dark and pale stripes cover the body, but stripe width and pattern differ between species. Each foot ends in a single hoof.

Diet and behaviour

Zebras graze and remain alert to predators. Their social organisation differs between species, ranging from stable family groups to looser associations.

More photos

Zebras among green shrubs.

Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA

Sources

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