Chapman's Zebra

Habitat

A subspecies of plains zebra, Chapman's zebra are native to savannah habitats across southern Africa

Wild Diet

They spend a lot of their day feeding on grass and will also on occasion eat berries and other plants to increase their protein intake.

Behaviour

The striking black and white markings of these sociable animals act as amazing camouflage when a herd of zebras stand together – as it is hard to tell where one animal ends and another one begins. Zebra families will often join up with other zebra, wildebeest and antelope to form ‘super-herds’ during a constant migration, where they travel thousands of miles in search of fresh green pastures.

Breeding

These zebras don’t have mating seasons, but most births will occur during rainy periods. One foal will be born after a gestation period of 13 months. A foal will stand to suckle soon after birth, and will start to graze at two weeks old.

Conservation

While not considered a threatened species, Chapman's zebras are extinct in Burundi and Lesotho. Total numbers have declined approximately 25% in recent years due to human activities including farming, hunting, poaching, and droughts exacerbated by climate change. Captive zebra herds zoos help to maintain a healthy breeding population.