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Zebras
Zebras are social animals that live in groups known as harems, consisting of a stallion, several mares, and their young. They are also seen in larger herds or mixed groups with other herbivores. Zebras are highly migratory, with some populations of Plains Zebras participating in Africa’s great migrations to find water and fresh grazing. Their stripes are believed to serve several functions, including camouflage, confusing predators, protecting against flies, and helping to regulate body temperature. Despite being common in many African parks and reserves, zebras face ongoing challenges from human activities and environmental changes, necessitating continued conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
Scientific Name: There are three species of zebras: Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra), and Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi).
- Habitat: Zebras inhabit a variety of landscapes across Africa. Plains Zebras are found in grasslands and savannas, Mountain Zebras in mountainous and rocky areas, and Grevy’s Zebras in semi-arid grasslands.
- Diet: All zebras are herbivorous, primarily grazing on grasses, but they will also eat leaves and stems depending on availability.
- Physical Characteristics: Zebras are known for their distinctive black-and-white striped coats, which are unique to each individual. They are generally about 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 4.9 feet) tall at the shoulder, with males being slightly larger than females. The pattern of stripes varies among species, with Plains Zebras having broad stripes, Mountain Zebras having vertical stripes on their necks and torso with horizontal stripes on their legs, and Grevy’s Zebras having thin, close-set stripes.
- Lifespan: Zebras can live up to 25 years in the wild and longer in captivity.
- Reproduction: Zebras have a gestation period of about 12 to 13 months, after which a single foal is born. Foals can stand, walk, and nurse within an hour after birth and are weaned at about 11 months.
- Conservation Status: Plains Zebra is classified as Near Threatened, Mountain Zebra as Vulnerable, and Grevy’s Zebra as Endangered by the IUCN. Threats include habitat loss, competition with livestock, and hunting for their skins and meat.
Zebras at Chipangali
Nungu
Species: Grevy’s Zebra
Age on Arrival: Fully grown
Arrival Date: 8 December 2019
Sex: Female
Nungu’s Story: Nungu’s transition from being a problematic figure on a local farm to a resident of Chipangali is emblematic of the sanctuary’s broader mission to resolve human-wildlife conflicts through compassion and care. Her integration into the sanctuary’s life, pending a move to a larger game park, underscores the challenges and solutions in finding balance between the needs of wildlife and the realities of human encroachment. Nungu’s story highlights Chipangali’s role as a mediator and caregiver in the complex tapestry of biodiversity conservation.
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