The overseas relo of horses, and donkeys we see here in Australia, is the Zebra. These Equids are quite similar to their relatives, however have their unique features and qualities, just as donkeys do from horses. Their most recognisable feature being their black and white stripe pattern found on their coats.
Their black and white stripes not only make great patterns on clothing for us to wear, but also serve a few purposes in the wild. It is recently believed that they are an adaptive measure against flies to aid in repelling them from even landing on the zebra’s bodies. Something about the way that flies attempt to perceive the zebras in their visions, turns them off even landing, because the landing site is unclear for them to see. This may be a factor as to why there are now a lot of zebra print horse rugs now on the market.
Another key way that a zebra’s stripes assists them in their varying habitats, is by acting as camouflage, both pattern wise and colour wise. Like army patterns all blend together when seen together, mass zebra herds can all stand together and begin to blur into large black and white stripe patterns. When herds of zebras are standing in long grass whilst blurring together, they also camouflage against the long grass. This can really help in keeping predators unsure of their presence.
Zebras have many other endearing features that can be obsserved and appreciated both in the wild, and in captivity. Their tufted tails make a great fly swisher, their aggressive defence towards their herds,and fierce sociality can only be admired.
As much as the Grevy’s Zebra of Kenya and Ethiopia is endangered, there are still plenty of thriving Plains Zebras on the grasslands & woodlands of Eastern and Southern Africa. The Mountain Zebra of Nambia, Angola and South Africa are neither endangered, nor considered “safe” from future endangerment.
If you are a fan of Zebras, and/or you would like to assist in the Conservation of this beautiful species, donations can be made to the African Wildlife Foundation. Alternatively making donations or puchasing items from the gift shop of several of Australia’s Zoos with active conservation programs, can assist in helping to preserve Zebras for many more generations to come.