Plains zebra map Equus quagga Near threatened

Interesting facts

• Like all zebras, they are boldly striped in black and white and no two individuals look exactly alike. [source]
• To escape from predators, an adult zebra can run at 60–70 km/h (37–43 mph). [source]
• When migrating, zebras appear to rely on some memory of the locations where foraging conditions were best and may predict conditions months before their arrival. [source]

About the plains zebra

The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchellii) is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. Its range is fragmented, but spans much of southern and eastern Africa south of the Sahara. Six or seven subspecies have been recognised, including the quagga which was thought to be a separate species. More recent research supports variations in zebra populations being clines rather than subspecies.

Plains zebras are intermediate in size between the larger Grévy's zebra and the smaller mountain zebra and tend to have broader stripes than both. Great variation in coat patterns exists between clines and individuals. The plains zebra's habitat is generally, but not exclusively, treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands, both tropical and temperate. They generally avoid desert, dense rainforest and permanent wetlands. Zebras are preyed upon by lions and spotted hyenas, Nile crocodiles and, to a lesser extent, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs.

Subspecies (8)

Subspecies listed in Wikidata as children of Equus quagga (fossil-only taxa excluded). Classification is debated for many animals and lists differ between authorities.

• 
  Equus quagga burchellii – Burchell's zebra
  on the map
• 
  Equus quagga boehmi – Grant's zebra
  on the map
• 
  Equus quagga chapmani – Chapman's zebra
  on the map
• 
  Equus quagga crawshayi – Crawshay's zebra
  on the map
• Equus quagga antiquorum
  no open-licence GBIF records
• 
  Equus quagga borensi – Maneless zebra
  7 open-licence GBIF records (too few to map)
• Equus quagga greyi
  no open-licence GBIF records
• 
  Equus quagga selousi – Selous' zebra
  no open-licence GBIF records

Photos

Text in “About”, “Interesting facts” and “Population” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Plains zebra (revision 1378842863), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes: sentences excerpted verbatim, citations and formatting removed. No text added. Taxa and status: Wikidata Q245305 (CC0).

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