Grevy's Zebra
Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), sometimes known as the Imperial zebra, is the largest of its species. It is found in the wild in Kenya and Ethiopia but is on the IUCN Red List as endangered (facing a very high risk of extinction in the near future).
Compared to other zebras, it is tall, has large ears, and its stripes are narrower. The species is named after Jules Grévy, a president of France, who, in the 1880s, was given one by the government of Abyssinia. In certain regions of Kenya, the plains zebras and Grevy's zebras coexist. The Grevy's zebra differs from the other two zebras in its primitive characteristics and different behaviour. It was the first zebra to emerge as a species.
All members of the family are of the genus Equus, but the genus is commonly subdivided into four subgenera; Equus, Asinus, Hippotigris and Dolichohippus. The Plains zebra and Mountain zebra belong to Hippotigris, but the Grevy's zebra is the sole species of Dolichohippus.
In many respects, it is more akin to the asses (Asinus). It is 2.5-2.75m from head to tail and stands 1.45-1.6m high at the shoulder. These zebras weigh 350-450 kg. The stripes are narrow and close-set, being broader on the neck, and they extend to the hooves. The belly and the area around the base of the tail lack stripes. With all of the stripes closer together and thinner than most of the other zebras, it is easier to make a good escape and to hide from predators. The ears are very large, rounded, and conical. The head is large, long, and narrow, particularly mule-like in appearance. The mane is tall and erect; juveniles having a mane extending the length of the back.
Seen at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire.
Grevy's Zebra
Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi), sometimes known as the Imperial zebra, is the largest of its species. It is found in the wild in Kenya and Ethiopia but is on the IUCN Red List as endangered (facing a very high risk of extinction in the near future).
Compared to other zebras, it is tall, has large ears, and its stripes are narrower. The species is named after Jules Grévy, a president of France, who, in the 1880s, was given one by the government of Abyssinia. In certain regions of Kenya, the plains zebras and Grevy's zebras coexist. The Grevy's zebra differs from the other two zebras in its primitive characteristics and different behaviour. It was the first zebra to emerge as a species.
All members of the family are of the genus Equus, but the genus is commonly subdivided into four subgenera; Equus, Asinus, Hippotigris and Dolichohippus. The Plains zebra and Mountain zebra belong to Hippotigris, but the Grevy's zebra is the sole species of Dolichohippus.
In many respects, it is more akin to the asses (Asinus). It is 2.5-2.75m from head to tail and stands 1.45-1.6m high at the shoulder. These zebras weigh 350-450 kg. The stripes are narrow and close-set, being broader on the neck, and they extend to the hooves. The belly and the area around the base of the tail lack stripes. With all of the stripes closer together and thinner than most of the other zebras, it is easier to make a good escape and to hide from predators. The ears are very large, rounded, and conical. The head is large, long, and narrow, particularly mule-like in appearance. The mane is tall and erect; juveniles having a mane extending the length of the back.
Seen at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire.