The plains zebra is the most common and widespread of the three zebra species, native to the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa, easily recognized by its bold pattern of black and white stripes, which is unique to each individual and thought to help deter biting flies and confuse predators in a running herd. Plains zebras live in family groups led by a stallion, and these groups often join together into large herds, sometimes migrating alongside wildebeest in search of fresh grazing. Although still relatively numerous compared to other large African herbivores, plains zebra populations have declined due to habitat loss, hunting and competition with livestock, and the species is classified as near threatened.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or ExtinctDerived from this species' own Conservation Status: this atlas's IUCN category list has no Extinct value, so a set conservation-status is itself evidence of living status (w-bfill-g5-0924 browse backfill). Scientific Name Conservation Status Population Estimate Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceIntermediate in size between the larger Grevy's zebra and the smaller mountain zebra, with broader black-and-white stripes than either. 1 Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Source Plains Zebra (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Plains Zebra (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead paragraph, sentence 1
The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii) is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra.
Conservation section, sentence 1
In 2016, the plains zebra was classified as near threatened by the IUCN.
Conservation section, sentence 2
As of that year, the total population is estimated to be around 500,000 individuals.
Description paragraph, sentence 1
Plains zebras are intermediate in size between the larger Grévy's zebra and the smaller mountain zebra and tend to have broader stripes than both.
system (entity description states it plainly, diet)
Although still relatively numerous compared to other large African herbivores, plains zebra populations have declined due to habitat loss, hunting and competition with livestock, and the species is classified as near threatened.
- In Biome: Grassland, Wikipedia intro: "ween clines and individuals. The plains zebra's habitat is generally, but not exclusively, treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands, both tropical and temperat..."
View the Source 2. Plains Zebra (Wikipedia)
- threatened by human activities, such as hunting for its meat and hide
- treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands
View the Source3. GBIF Species API
Wikidata: Plains Zebra
Wikidata Q245305, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: PerissodactylaView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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