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Chapman’s zebra
Equus burchellii antiquorum
Animal facts
Zebra are social animals, living in large herds. They mix freely with groups of other grazing animals such as wildebeest. Together they form an effective early warning system against predators, such as lions and hyenas.
Scientists are not sure of the purpose of the zebra’s stripes. One theory is that the stripes confuse predators; in a herd of zebra it is difficult for a hunting lion to see the outline of an individual zebra – the stripes seem to merge across several animals. This is known as 'disruptive colouring'.
A single foal is born after 11 - 13 months. The foal's stripes are usually more chestnut brown in colour than those of its parents, growing darker with age. Foals are capable of grazing just a few weeks after being born, but often suckle for 8-12 months.
Where they live
East Africa
Habitat
Open savanna grasslands
What they eat
Grasses and sedges; also bark, leaves, buds, fruits and roots