Happy International Zebra Day! Today is dedicated to increasing awareness of the challenges that are facing these amazing striped animals.
At WildLife Foundation, we support Grévy’s zebras, which is the largest and most threatened of the three species of zebra (the others being the plains zebra and the mountain zebra). Grevy’s zebras are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with one of their biggest challenges being competing against livestock for fresh drink and water. Sadly, there are only 2,800 Grevy’s zebras in the wild and 54% of their population has been lost in the last three decades.
To help support Grévy’s zebras and other animals that share their habitat, we provided a three-year grant to Fauna and Flora International. As part of the project, they put in place a strategy to manage the conservancy over the next 10 years. They also looked into how they can prevent drought through a water management programme.
What to learn more about Grévy’s zebras? Take a read of these five fun facts below:
Social structure: Unlike plains zebras, Grevy’s zebras don’t form permanent herds. Instead, their social structure is more fluid, with males maintaining territories and females moving freely between them.
Distinctive stripes: Their stripes are narrower and more closely spaced than those of other zebras, creating a striking appearance. Unlike other species, Grevy’s zebras have a white belly, which is unstriped.
Native habitat: They are found in the semi-arid grasslands and savannas of Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Grevy’s zebras prefer areas with access to water, though they can survive in arid regions better than other zebra species.
Not time wasters: Grévy’s zebra foals don’t waste any time: they can stand six minutes after birth, walk after 20 minutes, and run after an hour.
Stripe Functions Beyond Camouflage: The stripes may also help regulate body temperature. Studies suggest the alternating black and white stripes create small-scale airflows that help keep the zebra cool under the hot sun.
WildLife Foundation is committed to improving the welfare of zebras. We could not do what we do without your generosity! To keep up to date with our latest news updates, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X/ Twitter, and Instagram.
