Zebras are stockily built members of the horse family. The females are slightly heavier than the males. their most striking feature is the pattern of black stripes on a white or buff background. There is an upright mane of stiff hairs along the neck to the shoulders. The legs are lightly striped. No two individuals have the same markings.

Zebras are extremely adaptable and this can be seen in the fact that they are always fat and well-nourished. Zebras use their teeth to feed and can therefore graze down to siol level, and at times, even dig up corms and rhizomes during times of drought. They prefer open grassy plains and savanna with fairly short grass. They are very dependent on water and do not wander very far from waterholes. They drink daily.

Zebras are highly sociable animals living in family groups which usually consist of an adult stallion and a couple of mares with their offspring. Because they are highly gregarious, they are often seen in company with wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and kudu.

Zebra are chiefly preyed upon by lions which account for more than 90% of zebra kills. To a lesser degree, leopards, cheetah, hyena and wild hunting dogs account for a small opercentage of kills - usually non-adults. They are not very sensitive to disease.

Zebra stallions fight viciously for mares but fatalities are rare. They kick, chop and bite each other with much noise and kicking up of dust!

Come and see them in real life with L&J Tours! For more information, contact Judy at : lj-tours@iafrica.com