Why do zebras have stripes?

Scientists believe stripes serve multiple purposes: confusing biting flies (reducing disease), thermoregulation, and "motion dazzle" that confuses predators during flight.

How many zebras are in the Great Migration?

Approximately 200,000 zebras join 1.5 million wildebeest in the Great Migration across the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem.

Are zebras endangered?

Plains zebras are Near Threatened with 500,000–700,000 remaining. Grevy's zebra is Endangered with only ~2,500 left.

Can zebras be domesticated?

Zebras have never been successfully domesticated. They are more aggressive and unpredictable than horses, with a powerful kick that can kill a lion.

Where can I see the zebra migration?

The Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) from July–October, and Makgadikgadi Pans (Botswana) from November–April for the salt pan migration.

🦓Near Threatened

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga

Every stripe pattern is unique — nature's fingerprint

Lifespan

20–25 years in the wild

Population

~500,000–700,000 in the wild

Size

1.1–1.5 m at the shoulder

Top Speed

Up to 65 km/h

Diet

Herbivore — grasses, leaves, bark

Social

Harems of 1 stallion + 1–6 mares and foals

Population trend: decreasing|IUCN: NT|Weight: 175–385 kg

About This Species

Meet the Nature's Barcode

Zebras are among Africa's most recognizable animals, with stripe patterns as unique as human fingerprints. Scientists believe their stripes may confuse biting flies, regulate body temperature, or confuse predators through motion dazzle. Zebras are key players in the Great Migration.