Plains zebra

The plains zebra or the common zebra (Equus quagga), is the most widespread species of zebra, being found in eastern and southern Africa. It is smaller than the Grévy's zebra but is larger than the mountain zebra, tending to have more broader stripes than both species. The plains zebras usually inhabits savanna woodlands and treeless grasslands, and would usually avoid deserts, dense rainforests, and permanent wetlands. Zebras mainly eat on grass such as Cenchrus ciliaris, while being preyed on lions, spotted hyenas, and Nile crocodiles. The plains zebra is highly social, forming harems with a single stallion, with several mares and their young. Groups will come together and become herds. The plains zebra will keep watch on the predators and will bark or snort when they see a predator and the harem stallion will attack the predator to defend his harem. Six or seven subspecies is currently recognized, including the extinct quagga which is thought to be a separate species. Although plains zebras are common in game reserves, it is threatened by human activities such as poaching, habitat destruction, and competition with livestock. Its population remains stable despite the fact that populations have declined sharply in most countries the zebra is native to. As of 2016, it is currently classified as near threatened.