ZEBRA | Classification, Habitat, Characters

Introduction

One of the most identifiable creatures in the animal kingdom, the Equus zebra, also referred to as the zebra, is well-known for its eye-catching coat of black and white stripes. Zebras belong to the Equidae family, which also includes horses and donkeys, and are found in Africa’s untamed plains and mountains. These gregarious herbivores are praised for their distinctive function in their habitats, attractiveness, and agility. Zebra conservation is a major global priority because, despite their iconic position, they are threatened by habitat loss and killing.

Classification of Zebra

• Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
• Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
• Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
• Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
• Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
• Class :- Mammalia (Body covered with hairs. Females have mammary glands.)
• Order :- Perissodactyla (Odd-toed hoofed mammals.)
• Family : Equidae
• Genus :- Equus
• Species :- E. zebra

Geographical distribution

Zebras are native to Africa, with their distribution largely influenced by species and subspecies:

Habit and habitat

Creatures of open lands and grasslands. Mountain zebra found in arid and semi-arid lands. Practically kept in all zoological gardens.

Comments on Zebra

• Commonly called as Zebra.
• Size like ass but body elegnantly built.
• Colour white or buff but fully striped with black or brown colour. These coloured stipes present all over the body.
• Body divided into head, mobile neck, trunk, chest, abdomen and tail.
• Head contains jaws, mouth, ears and eyes.
• For safety, zebras rely on their keen eyesight and speed, but they can use their hooves and teeth for defense.
• Jaws elongated like horse. Teeth adapted for grazing.
• Gestation period 11 to 12 months. Give birth to a single young (foal)

Special features of Zebra

Characteristic feature of zebra is that it can look fat and sleep even under poor conditions. Zebras generally remain confined to one place but they can migrate to safer places where food and water is in abundance. Spectacular migration occurs on the Sevengets plains of Tanzania where thousands of zebras and other animals migrate to fresh pastures.

Identification

• Since the animal has coloured stripes and above features, hence it is Zebra

References

• National Geographic: Equus zebra Overview
• IUCN Red List: Grevy’s Zebra
• African Wildlife Foundation: Zebra Conservation
• Encyclopedia of Life: Zebra Evolution
• Zoology Practical Vertebrate