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Zebra

✨ The horse in pajamas

The zebra is a herbivorous mammal famous for its black and white striped coat. It belongs to the horse family and includes several species, such as the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra. Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, similar to a fingerprint, which helps individuals recognize one another.

Scientists believe that stripes may also play a role in confusing biting insects and helping regulate body temperature. Zebras have strong legs and can run quickly to escape predators, especially lions and other large carnivores. Zebras live mainly in the grasslands, savannas, and mountainous areas of Africa.

They feed mostly on grasses and spend much of their time searching for fresh vegetation and water. Many zebras live in social groups where they cooperate to watch for danger and protect younger members. Some species take part in seasonal movements together with other herbivores, following areas where food and water are available.

Although plains zebras remain relatively common in some regions, other zebra species face threats from habitat loss, competition with livestock, and human activities.

💡 Did you know?

Are you ready for a mystery? Is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Well, science has decided: the zebra is actually black! The white stripes appear on top as it grows in its mother's belly. Even its skin under the fur is completely black.

Zebra stripes aren't just stylish, they also protect against insects! Flies and mosquitoes don't like the visual effect of the stripes, which prevents them from landing on the zebra. It's as if they were wearing protective pajamas against bites!

When a predator like a lion approaches, zebras use a brilliant technique: they run in a zigzag pattern. Their stripes visually intertwine and create a kind of mirage that prevents the lion from aiming well at a single zebra. That's the power of optical illusion!