Quick answer
The zebra is a wild member of the horse family native to Africa, instantly recognizable by its bold black-and-white stripes, which are as unique to each animal as a fingerprint. Plains zebras live in social herds, can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph), and typically live around 25 years in the wild. The stripes are thought to deter biting flies and confuse predators.
Key takeaway
The zebra is a wild member of the horse family native to Africa, instantly recognizable by its bold black-and-white stripes, which are as unique to each animal as a fingerprint. Plains zebras live in social herds, can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph), and typically live around 25 years in the wild. The stripes are thought to deter biting flies and confuse predators.
Zebra overview
Zebra (Equus quagga) is a mammal listed here as Near Threatened. Typical weight 200–450 kg (440–990 lb); lifespan around 20–25 years in the wild.
Zebra ecology
Diet: Herbivore. Habitat: Savanna, grassland, and open plains. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Zebras and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild zebras are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Near Threatened. See the full Zebra profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Why the stripes?
No two zebras have the same stripe pattern. Scientists believe the stripes help in several ways: they deter biting flies that struggle to land on striped surfaces, they make it harder for predators to single out one animal in a moving herd, and they may help with temperature regulation.
Herd life
Plains zebras live in family groups of a stallion, several mares, and their foals, which often gather into much larger herds, sometimes alongside wildebeest. There is safety in numbers, and the herd's combined senses help detect lions and hyenas. Zebras groom one another to strengthen social bonds.
Sources
Zebra FAQs
What are key facts about zebras?
The zebra is a wild member of the horse family native to Africa, instantly recognizable by its bold black-and-white stripes, which are as unique to each animal as a fingerprint. Plains zebras live in social herds, can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph), and typically live around 25 years in the wild. The stripes are thought to deter biting flies and confuse predators.
What is the scientific name of the zebra?
Equus quagga — used in research and conservation listings for zebras.
What do zebras eat?
Zebras are described as herbivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Savanna, grassland, and open plains.
Where do zebras live?
They are associated with Savanna, grassland, and open plains. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of zebras?
Listed in our guides as Near Threatened. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.