Burchell's Zebra - Equus burchelli
Stallion
Mare
Mass (adult)
290 - 340 kg
290 - 235 kg
Shoulder height
± 134 cm
± 134 cm
Life expectancy
± 35 years
± 35 years
 
Identification  
Also known as Plains or Chapman's Zebra, this stocky, horse-like animal is striped with black and white and, depending on the subspecies, may or may not have shadow stripes superimposed on the white stripes. There is, however, considerable variation in patterning. Stripes extend to the belly. There is a well-developed erect black and white mane that extends from the head to the top of the shoulders. The stripes on the legs extend downwards and become indistinct closer to the hooves. The stallion is slightly heavier than the mare.

It differs from the Mountain Zebra, which has a dewlap, legs are striped to the hooves, belly is white and it does not have shadow stripes.
Habitat  
 
This is a species of open woodland and savannah. It prefers open woodland, grassveld and floodplains. It avoids dense savannah and is seldom seen further than 12 km from water. It ranges in search of grazing areas but availability of water is the determinant.
Habits  
  It is gregarious and associates in small family herds consisting of one stallion, mares and their foals. Unattached stallions join together in bachelor herds. Larger herds are formed on a temporary basis but the family herds maintain their unity. It is fond of dust baths. In some areas they move over large distances from winter to summer grazing areas - leaving the summer grazing area just before the seasonal water supply dries up.
Food  
  Although they occasionally browse they feed mainly on grass. It prefers grass, sometimes leaves, branches and pods. It drinks water regularly.
Vocalisation  
  A "qua-ha-ha" whinny followed by a whistling sound when air is inhaled is reputed a few times.
Breeding  
  A single foal is born anytime during the year (peak in summer) after a gestation period of ± 12 months. The mare has 1 pair of groin mammae.