Plains Zebra Facts | Common Zebras | Equus Quagga

Black and white stripes make the zebra one of the most recognizable animals in the world. The plains zebra, also known as the common zebra, is the most abundant of three species of zebra, inhabiting the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.

The plains zebra, also known as the common zebra, is the most abundant of three species of zebra. Photo by EcoPic / iStock.com.

The other two species are Grevy’s zebras and mountain zebras. On average, plains zebras are smaller than the other two species of zebra.

They range in height from 1-1.5 m (3.5-5 ft.) and can weigh almost 450 kg (1000 lbs.).

Zebra Stripes

The three species of zebras all have different stripe patterns. Plains zebras have broad stripes that run horizontally towards the back and vertically towards the front, meeting in a triangle in the middle of their bodies.

They also have a stripe that runs down the center of their backs onto the tail, as well as underbelly stripes. Although all plains zebras share these similarities in stripe patterns, no two zebras have exactly the same pattern.

Plains zebras have broad stripes that run horizontally towards the back and vertically towards the front, meeting in a triangle in the middle of their bodies. Photo by giamplume / iStock.com.

Zebra Defense

Plains zebras stay safe from predators by traveling in herds. Individual members of the group take turns watching for predators, such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. Zebras have very good hearing and eyesight.

If one zebra spots a predator, it lets out a sharp two-syllable call. The young and female zebras run, while the males trail behind to defend them. If one is attacked, others circle around to help protect it from predators.

They can run 56 km/h (35 mph) and pack a powerful kick.

Plains zebras stay safe from predators by traveling in herds. Individual members of the group take turns watching for predators. Photo by MikeLane45 / iStock.com.

How Zebras Sleep

Zebras sleep standing up! But zebras only sleep when they are in large groups so that they can be alerted of danger.

What Zebras Eat

Plains zebras are herbivores, meaning they eat plants.

They spend the majority of their day eating, mostly grazing on grass, but also munching on leaves and stems. To keep up with the frequent grinding of these foods, zebras’ back teeth continue to grow throughout their lives.

Zebras are known to travel great distances to find food and water when the dry season arrives.

Zebras at a watering hole at Etosha National Park, Namibia. Photo by JohnPitcher / iStock.com.

Family Life

A typical plains zebra family consists of a male, called a stallion, several females, called mares, and their children. These family groups are called harems. The harems will often join with other families to form large herds.

When a female becomes pregnant, it takes 13 months to have the baby, called a foal. When a foal is born, it can stand up within 15 minutes. Within an hour, it can run!

Baby zebras are called foals. Foals can run within one hour of being born! Photo by johan63 / iStock.com.

Zebras can live up to 25 years in the wild.

Conservation Status

The plains zebra is listed by the IUCN as near threatened, with their populations decreasing. Plains zebras are threatened by habitat loss due to human development and farming.

They are vulnerable to hunting throughout their range, especially when they move out of protected areas. Many are hunted for their skins.

What You Can Do to Help

If you would like to help the plains zebra, you can donate to the African Wildlife Foundation, whose initiatives help preserve critical zebra habitat and wildlife corridors.

Plains Zebra Range

The plains zebra, also known as the common zebra, is the most abundant of three species of zebra, inhabiting the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.

Zebra Resources

• National Geographic’s Zebra Page
• African Wildlife Foundation’s Zebra Page
• The San Diego Zoo’s Zebra Page
• Defenders of Wildlife Zebra Page
• I Spy Animals: The Half and Half Zebra
• IUCN Red List: Equus quagga

Quick Fact Sheet

Common Name(s): Plains Zebra, Common Zebra

Scientific Name: Equus quagga

Animal Type: mammal

Size: 1-1.5 m (3.5-5 ft.) tall

Weight: 450 kg (1000 lbs.)

Lifespan: 25 years

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

About the Author

P.A. Smith is a middle school Language Arts teacher. He is also a contributing editor of My House Rabbit.

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