Mammals
Plains zebra
Equus quagga
The plains zebra is the most widespread of the zebras, unmistakable for its black-and-white striped coat. Each individual has a unique pattern, like a fingerprint, and no two zebras are alike.
In short
The plains zebra (Equus quagga) is a species with IUCN conservation status NT (Near threatened). It lives in savanna and grassland, often in large herds that migrate alongside wildebeest. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the plains zebra live?
It lives in savanna and grassland, often in large herds that migrate alongside wildebeest. The stripes probably serve several functions: confusing predators as the herd moves and deterring biting flies.
Is the plains zebra endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Near Threatened (NT) with a declining population, due to hunting, habitat loss and fences that cut off migration routes.
Facts about the plains zebra
- The stripe pattern is unique to each individual.
- The stripes deter biting flies and confuse predators.
- It often migrates alongside wildebeest, sharing grazing.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Equus quagga (Near Threatened)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.