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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Zebra

Zebras are African mammals in the horse family Equidae, belonging to the genus Equus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zebras are African mammals in the horse family Equidae, belonging to the genus Equus. They are best known for their black-and-white striped coats, herbivorous diet, and social herd behaviour. The term usually refers to three living species: the plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and the mountain zebra.

Taxonomy

Zebras are members of the horse family Equidae and the genus Equus. Most modern references recognize three species: plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and mountain zebra.

Physical characteristics

Zebras are known for their black-and-white striped coats, long legs, and mane. The stripe pattern varies by species and is unique to each individual.

Habitat and diet

Zebras are native to Africa and occupy habitats including grasslands, savannahs, and some mountainous regions. They are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses, with some species also browsing leaves and shrubs.

Behaviour and social structure

Zebras are generally social animals and often live in herds or family groups. Different species show different social patterns, with plains zebras often living in stable groups and Grevy’s zebras more loosely associated.

Key facts

  • Zebras are striped African equids closely related to horses and donkeys.
  • There are three widely recognized species: plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and mountain zebra.
  • Zebras are herbivores that mainly graze on grasses.
  • Stripe patterns differ by species and are unique to individual zebras.
  • Conservation status varies: plains zebra is Least Concern, Grevy’s zebra is Endangered, and mountain zebra is Vulnerable or Threatened.
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Canadian context

Zebras are commonly featured in Canadian zoo and wildlife education materials, and their conservation status is relevant to Canadian audiences interested in international wildlife protection.

Frequently asked questions

How many species of zebra are there?
Most modern sources recognize three species: plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and mountain zebra.
What do zebras eat?
Zebras are herbivores that mainly graze on grasses, though some also browse leaves, buds, bark, and shrubs.
Where do zebras live?
Zebras are native to Africa and live in habitats such as grasslands, savannahs, and upland or mountainous areas.
Are zebras related to horses?
Yes. Zebras are equids in the horse family Equidae and are closely related to horses and donkeys.
Are all zebra species threatened?
No. Conservation status varies by species: plains zebra is generally listed as Least Concern, Grevy’s zebra as Endangered, and mountain zebra as Vulnerable or Threatened.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/zebra
    Supports: Species, taxonomy, and geographic range of zebras.
  2. National Geographic Kids — https://www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/animals/general-animals/zebra-facts/
    Supports: Three zebra species and conservation status summary.
  3. IFAW — https://www.ifaw.org/animals/zebras
    Supports: Habitat, diet, stripe function, and species count.
  4. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/zebra-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Zebra classification and the three species.
  5. San Diego Zoo — https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/zebra
    Supports: Diet, behaviour, speed, and species information.
  6. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/zebra
    Supports: Common species profile, lifespan, diet, and size.