Zebra |
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Unique Features
The zebra's striped hide is a type of camouflage. When the zebra runs from predators, the stripes make it difficult for the predator to make out which part of the zebra is the head or the rump. Every striped pattern on each individual zebra is unique, like a fingerprint. Food Zebra graze on long, coarse grass. Occasionally they may dig for roots in the dry season. Long hairs around the muzzle and eyes are sensitive and warn against thorns when grazing. Predators The zebra's main predator are lions, wild dogs, spotted hyaenas, cheetahs and leopards. When the herd is in danger, the stallion usually places himself in the rear between his family and the hunter and often protects his group by charging the predator and striking out with his front hooves. The zebra's other method of defence when hunted is to lash out with its powerful hind legs. A well aimed kick from the zebra can smash a predator's jaw. When hunted, the herd of zebra run at the speed of the slowest among them. The young and the old or sickly animals are never left behind. When one member of the herd is lost, the others will search for it. Family Ties Zebras are not territorial and will migrate long distances in search of grazing. A stallion is head of a group of 1-6 females. If the stallion dies, the females are taken over by another stallion. A family herd of zebra mares and their offspring are called a harem herd. Males set up their first harem herd at the ages of between 5-6 years. Surplus stallions live either alone or in bachelor groups. Zebra groups may graze in herds numbering thousands. Mares of different herds are antagonistic towards each other while stallions seek each other out and perform a special greeting ritual. They approach each other with heads outstretched, ears pricked and lips pulled back. They smell noses, rub their heads on each other's flanks and sniff each other's genitals. They jump on their hindlegs, or kick out one foreleg and then go their separate ways. Mating When a young filly is in estrous (ready to mate) for the first time at about 15 months old, she signals the males by raising her hindquarters and her tail. Adult males in the area are instantly attracted and the herd stallion puts up a fight in her defense. While the herd stallion is engaged in a fight, another stallion sneaks up and 'abducts' the filly. A mare about to give birth separates herself from the herd and is watched over by the stallion. Within a few minutes of birth the foal is able to stand. After an hour and a half it is able to canter and follow its mother. Fighting Stallions may fight over a filly when trying to establish their own harem herd.When fighting they flatten their ears, bare their teeth, toss their heads and whinny loudly. They rear up and strike out with their forelegs, neck wrestling, biting and kicking. Because their teeth are blunt and their hide very tough, stallions usually end up bruised after a fight, but not seriously wounded. |