Zebra

Zebras are African equines that are part of the subgenus, Hippotigris, with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There are three extant species, that being the plains zebra (E. quagga), the mountain zebra (E. zebra), and the Grévy's zebra. Zebras are part of the genus, Equus, the same genus that horses and asses are part of, with these groups being the only living equid species. The zebras stripe pattern is unique for each individual, with several theories proposed for the function of these stripes, with most evidence supporting them deterrent for biting flies. Zebras are found in sub-Saharan Africa, mostly in eastern and southern Africa, and is found in a variety of habitats such as savannas, woodlands, shrublands, and mountain areas. Zebras are usually grazers and can subsist on lower quality vegetation. Zebras are mainly preyed by lions, nile crocodiles, and spotted hyenas. Plains and mountain zebras lives in stable harems consisting of an adult male and several females and their young; while Grévy's zebras live alone or in loosely associated herds. Adult females will only mate with their harem stallion, while male Grévy's zebras establish territories to attract females. Zebras communicate with various vocalizations, facial expressions, and body postures. Its dazzling stripes makes it one of the most recognizable mammals, and have been frequently featured in media in Africa or taking place in Africa. Unlike horses and donkeys, zebras were never truly domesticated, though historically, they have been highly sought after by exotic animal collectors. The IUCN Red List lists the plains zebra as "near threatened", the mountain zebra as "vulnerable", and the Grévy's zebra as "endangered". A subspecies of plains zebra, the quagga, was extinct in the 19th century, despite this, zebras are found in numerous protected areas.