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Plains zebra

Equus quagga

Photo by Benno Ibold
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The plains zebra is mid-sized, smaller on average than the other two zebra species, and thick bodied with relatively short legs. There is some variation in size, based on the animals' condition and subspecies. Adults of both sexes can stand from 1.1 to 1.45 m (3.6 to 4.8 ft) high at the withers (shoulder), are 2 to 2.5 m (6.6 to 8.2 ft) long, not counting a 50 cm (20 in) tail, and weigh 175 to 385 kg (386 to 849 lb). About 14.2hh to 16.0 hh. Males may weigh 10% more than females.

Habitat:

Plains zebras generally live in treeless grasslands and savanna woodlands but can be found in a variety of habitats, both tropical and temperate. However they are generally absent from deserts, dense rainforests and permanent wetlands. Zebras also live in elevations from sea level to 4,300 m on Mount Kenya. They rely on rainfall for food and water, and go on great migrations to follow the rains. The zebras will migrate up to 700 miles (1,100 km) for food. Other grazers also migrate. Plains zebras are highly water-dependent and are usually found within 25–30 kilometers of a water source.

Notes:

Location Data GPS tagged.

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 2, 2014

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