Zebra looks like a horse that has worn a striped coat look different. It is a member of the horse family, but as compared to other members of this family it stands a part because of its striped coat. What is even more amazing is that each animal has its own special pattern of stripes.
Zebra
There are three species of zebra that have survived over the ages. The most commonly found is Equus quagga-known either as the common zebra or as the plains zebra. It inhabits eastern and southern Africa-south of Ethiopia Somalia
The third surviving zebra species is called the mountain zebra or equus zebra. It has numerous narrow stripes and is found in the mountains of Namibia (south-west Africa) and Angola
Since all the species have parallel black or brown stripe son a white background, it is not off the mark to assume that the stripes must in some way be helpful for these grazing animals. Although a number of theories have been put ot explain this phenomenon, none gives a very convincing explanation. According to one theory, the stripes create a dazzle pattern ad thus help the zebra to hide from its enemies by blending with the shadow-sunlight patterns of the grasslands where it lives. Since the lion is its main enemy, this physical characteristic helps it to camouflage. Other researches have suggested that the stripes are disruptive, and create confusion in singling out a individual zebra when they are bunched together due to the overlapping of their outlines. This helps in protecting them, as a lion (in theory!) finds it difficult to single out a potential victim.
The gestation period of different zebras varies form 300 to 390 days. Usually one foal is born at a time, although twins are also a possibility.
Zebras are grass grazing animals; some roam around in open grassy plains, whereas others live in rough mountains. They usually live in small groups and are great fighters. It is difficult to tame or train them. Zebra became almost extinct by 1880.
