Selous' Zebra
Selous' Zebra
Selous' Zebra
Across the grasslands of southern Africa, the Selous' zebra roams with its distinctive bold stripes. They are a subspecies of plains zebra, known for their wide stripes that often extend all the way down their legs. Let's explore the world of the Selous' zebra, their unique characteristics, and the challenges they face.
Selous' Zebra Basic Infomation
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Equus quagga selousi |
| Taxonomic Status | ACCEPTED |
| Rank | SUBSPECIES |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Perissodactyla |
| Family | Equidae |
| Genus | Equus |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| Species | Equus quagga |
Size
Adults stand about 4.3 to 4.6 feet (1.3 to 1.4 meters) tall at the shoulder and weigh around 660 to 770 pounds (300 to 350 kilograms). Males are slightly larger than females.
Lifespan
They live for about 20 to 25 years in the wild.
Distribution
They are widely distributed in southern Africa, including Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Selous' Zebra Q&A
What kind of zebra is Selous' zebra?
Selous' zebra is a subspecies of the plains zebra, widely distributed in southern Africa.
Their distinctive feature is their stripe pattern. Selous' zebras have wider and more closely spaced stripes compared to other zebras, covering their entire body. They often have stripes extending all the way down to their hooves. Their stripes also have a strong contrast of black and white, or brownish-black, making them appear more vivid. They are relatively docile and live in herds, roaming the vast grasslands and grazing on grass.
What is the origin of the name 'Selous' zebra?
Selous' zebra is named after Frederick Courteney Selous, a British explorer and naturalist who explored southern Africa in the 19th century.
He traveled through southern Africa from 1871 to 1917, discovering and recording many animals and plants, including Selous' zebra. This zebra was named in his honor.
What do Selous' zebras eat?
Selous' zebras are herbivores, primarily feeding on grass.
They can eat up to 22 pounds (10 kg) of grass a day! They are most active in the mornings and evenings, searching for grasslands with abundant grass. They also need to drink water and may travel long distances in search of water sources during the dry season.
[Quiz!] What are the functions of the stripes on a Selous' zebra?
There are several theories about the function of zebra stripes.
・Camouflage: Zebra stripes help them blend in with the savanna landscape, making it harder for predators to spot them.
・Thermoregulation: The black and white stripes may help them regulate their body temperature by reflecting and absorbing sunlight.
・Individual identification: Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, like a human fingerprint. This allows zebras to recognize each other by their stripes.
・Insect repellent: Some research suggests that zebra stripes may help repel biting insects.
Stripes are a vital part of a zebra's survival!
[Quiz!] Do Selous' zebras live in herds?
Yes, Selous' zebras live in herds.
The size of the herds can vary from a few individuals to several dozen. Herds consist of males, females, and young, with a dominant male leading the group. Living in a herd helps them protect themselves from predators and find food more efficiently. It also allows for communication and reproductive behavior within the group.
[Quiz!] Are Selous' zebras endangered?
Selous' zebras are listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
This means that they are not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, their numbers are declining in some areas due to habitat destruction and poaching. To protect Selous' zebras, it is essential to conserve their habitat and prevent poaching. If you have the opportunity to see Selous' zebras at a zoo or on safari, take the time to learn more about them.
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Selous' Zebra Type of List
Characteristics of Selous' Zebra
- Subspecies of plains zebra
- Widely distributed in southern Africa
- Stripes cover the entire body
- Stripes often extend to the hooves
- Wide and closely spaced stripes
- Live in herds
- Herbivorous
Information
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Selous' Zebra References
Selous' Zebra Introduction of media used
Mark Jordahl, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jiří Sedláček - Frettie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Selous' Zebra
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