5 Facts about Zebras

 

We all know the long standing debate. It is one that is argued to this day in bars and at restaurants between friends all over the world.

 

Do zebras have white stripes and black bodies, or black stripes and white bodies?

 

Well, the question seems to be unanswered, but I assure you, we have our best people working on it as I write this!

 

While we wait for that to be solved, here are some more incredible facts about these quirky cousins of the horse and donkey (Information courtesy of LiveScience):

 

1.     Zebras are one of a handful of single-toed hoofed animal species, a category that also includes donkeys, horses and asses. The single hoof is probably an adaptation that helps them run fast on hard ground. Zebras are the most striking-looking of the animals in this family.

2.     So, why the stripes? When zebras are grouped together, their stripes make it hard for a predator to pick out one zebra to chase. Different zebra species have different types of stripes, from narrow to wide. In fact, the further south on the African plains you travel, the farther apart the stripes on the zebras get.

3.     They are generally slower than horses with a top speed of around 35 mph (56 kph), but their great stamina helps them outpace predators. When chased, a zebra will zigzag from side to side, making it more difficult for the predator to catch them. When cornered, a zebra will rear up and kick or bite its attacker.

 

4.     Zebra are extremely dependent on water and never wander far from waterholes, where they usually drink at least once a day. It is the responsibility of an adult mare (often the oldest), to guide the family as they move from area to area and ensure that they never wander too far from water.

 

5.     Zebras in a herd might all look alike, but their stripe patterns are as distinctive as fingerprints are in humans. Scientists can identify individual zebras by comparing patterns, stripe widths, color and scars. They have black skin underneath their hair, which makes some people say that they have white stripes, but the point is really still up for contention.

 

Written by Wesley Geyer

Creative writer