The Grevy's zebra , also known as the Imperial zebra,
is the largest extant wild equid and one of three species of zebra, the
other two being the plains zebra and the mountain zebra. The Grevy's
zebra is found in Kenya and Ethiopia. Compared with other zebras,
it is tall, has large ears, and its stripes are narrower. It is more
ass-like in appearance as compared to other zebras, which are more horse-like.
Among their kinds who were hunted for their hides, Grevy's Zebra is the
largest kind of zebra.
Grevy's zebras grow up to
nine feet long, weigh up to 990 pounds, and stand up to almost five and
a half feet at the shoulder. On average, males are about ten percent
larger than females. Big heads, large and rounded ears, and thick, erect
manes make the Grevy's zebra appear more mule-like than other
zebras. In fact, many experts consider Grevy's zebras to be striped
asses that are not closely related to other zebras. Their coats sport
dazzling narrow stripes that wrap around each other in a concentric
pattern and are bisected by a black stripe running down the spine.
Males are highly territorial,
claiming prime watering and grazing areas with piles of dung called
middens. They generally live alone in their territories, except when
females move through during mating season. Non-territorial males travel
together in groups of two to six animals. This social system differs
from that of other zebras, which typically form female harems that live
in one male's territory all year. During dry months, many Grevy's zebras
migrate to greener mountain pastures, but males on prime territories
often remain there year-round.
Normally only one foal is
born to a female after a gestation period of thirteen months. Most of
the babies are born between May and August. The young zebra has brown
stripes and a mane which stretches from the shoulder to the tail. The
background colour of the foal's coat is light brown instead of white.
This protective colouring helps the foal to "freeze" and blend instantly
with its background. Source
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