GréVy'S Zebra
ExploreMammals
GréVy'S Zebra
equus grevyi
Grévy's Zebra, the largest wild member of the horse family, is an iconic and visually striking mammal native to the semi-arid scrublands of East Africa. Characterized by a majestic stature, a thick, erect mane, and tightly spaced stripes, this species is uniquely adapted to survive in harsh, dry environments. Unlike the more common Plains Zebra, Grévy's Zebras do not form permanent, cohesive herds. Instead, their social structure revolves around solitary, highly territorial males and loose, transient associations of females and their young. What makes the Grévy's Zebra particularly fascinating is its incredible endurance; it can survive for up to five days without water, subsisting on tough, fibrous grasses that other herbivores bypass. Sadly, they are one of Africa's most endangered mammals, facing severe threats from habitat degradation and competition with domestic livestock. Conservation efforts in Kenya and Ethiopia are currently crucial to ensuring this remarkable species continues to roam the African landscape.
Habitat: Found in semi-arid grasslands and dry savannas, often roaming sparsely vegetated plains and thorny scrublands.
Appearance
Grévy's Zebras are easily distinguished by their very narrow, densely packed black and white stripes, which extend all the way down to their hooves but leave their bellies entirely white. They are noticeably taller and heavier than other zebra species, possessing a thick, prominent dorsal stripe that runs down their spine. Their heads are large and long, featuring a distinct brown muzzle and huge, rounded, mule-like ears that are heavily fringed with hair.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPerissodactylaFamilyEquidaeGenusEquus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
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Interesting facts
Grévy's Zebra foals can stand up within 15 minutes of being born and can run alongside their mothers within just an hour.
It has the longest gestation period of any equid, carrying a foal for approximately 13 months.
Just like human fingerprints, the stripe pattern on every Grévy's Zebra is completely unique, allowing researchers to identify individuals with barcode-scanning software.
The species is named after Jules Grévy, a 19th-century president of France, who received one as a diplomatic gift from the Emperor of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia).
Special abilities
Ability
Arid Endurance
They are highly adapted to semi-desert conditions and can survive up to five days without drinking water by extracting moisture from tough forage.
Ability
Territorial Dominance
Stallions claim some of the largest territories of any herbivore—up to 10 square kilometers—which they mark heavily with dung middens and defend fiercely.
Ability
Acoustic Communication
Instead of a horse-like whinny, they communicate using deep, resonant grunts and braying sounds that resemble a hippopotamus, which can carry over long distances.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 250-300 cm
- Weight
- 350-450 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-22 years
- Speed
- 65 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1
- Incubation
- 380-395 days
- Migration Distance
- 150 km
Diet & Feeding
Grévy's Zebras are primarily grazers that consume tough, fibrous grasses, but they will resort to browsing on leaves and bark during severe droughts.
Age differences: Foals rely on their mother's milk for the first six to eight months, though they begin nibbling on grass within a few weeks of birth.
Primary Foods
- Tough grasses
- Sedges
- Legumes
- Acacia leaves
- Tree bark
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
Eaten by
African Lion
Panthera leo
Preyed upon by large carnivores, particularly when young or weak.
Mutualism
Red-billed Oxpecker
Buphagus erythrorhynchus
Oxpeckers perch on their backs to eat ticks and other parasites in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Competitor
Domestic Cattle
Bos taurus
Competes heavily for water and grazing resources in arid environments.
Eaten by
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
Foals and sometimes adult females are vulnerable to predation by packs of hyenas.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify GréVy'S Zebra?
Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
How long is GréVy'S Zebra?
250-300 cm
How much does GréVy'S Zebra weigh?
350-450 kg
How long does GréVy'S Zebra live?
15-22 years
How fast can GréVy'S Zebra move?
65 km/h
What does GréVy'S Zebra eat?
Grévy's Zebras are primarily grazers that consume tough, fibrous grasses, but they will resort to browsing on leaves and bark during severe droughts.
Where is GréVy'S Zebra usually found?
Found in semi-arid grasslands and dry savannas, often roaming sparsely vegetated plains and thorny scrublands.
How does GréVy'S Zebra hunt?
Grazing
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