International Zebra Day

International Zebra Day is observed every year on January 31. With the national environment diminishing and increasing human development, these gentle animals are in danger. When habitats are threatened, animals too, become endangered. International Zebra Day is all about creating awareness and what you can do to help in the conservation of this animal.

Zebras are mostly found in the African continent, in the semi-desert areas of Kenya and Ethiopia, and the hilly areas of Namibia, Angola, and in South Africa. You can easily identify a zebra by its unique black and white stripes.

5 Fascinating Facts About Zebras

 A zebra’s stripes are like human fingerprints

Every zebra has a unique stripe pattern! While zebras might look the same to us from a distance, there are actually variations in each zebra’s stripes. The reason for each zebra’s distinct stripes is still a mystery to scientists, but the most widely accepted theory is that stripes allow zebras to recognize one another.

 Zebras can sleep standing up

Just like their horse relatives, zebras are able to sleep standing up by locking the joints in their knees. This helps them quickly awaken from a nap and escape from predators. However, when they need deep sleep, zebras often lay on their sides.

The plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra are the three types of zebras that are alive today, Grévy’s zebras are the largest, weighing up to 1,000 pounds. The plains zebras can weigh up to 850 pounds. Their territory stretches from southern Ethiopia and South Sudan to northern South Africa. The smallest zebra species, the mountain zebra, can still weigh up to 800 pounds. They are found only in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.

There are three species of zebra

The plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra are the three types of zebras that are alive today. Grévy’s zebras are the largest, weighing up to 1,000 pounds. The plains zebras can weigh up to 850 pounds. Their territory stretches from southern Ethiopia and South Sudan to northern South Africa. The smallest zebra species, the mountain zebra, can still weigh up to 800 pounds. They are found only in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.

Zebras’ stripes are used for camouflage

Like many animals with distinct patterns, zebras’ stripes help them camouflage themselves from predators, like lions. When zebras are in herds, their stripes help to obscure individual silhouettes, making it more difficult for predators to identify them.

Zebras have sophisticated communication skills

At least six distinct vocalizations are used by plains zebras. Snorts signal contentment while a two-syllable cry warns the herd of approaching predators. Additionally, they communicate through facial expressions. Zebras stretch their faces forward and put their ears forward to meet each other. They push their ears to their skulls when feeling threatened.