The Plains Zebra is the most common and geographically widespread of the three zebra species. It roams the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa.
Plains Zebra herds are nomadic and generally live in breeding groups with a single male and his ‘harem’ of up to six females or in all male bachelor groups. During periods of migration, these groups can come together to form larger herds, although they will generally stay in their own group.
Zebras have several predators in the wild and when threatened their unique coat patterns, when moving together in a group, can make it difficult for a predator to pick out an individual, giving the zebra a greater chance of survival.
There are approximately 700,000 wild Plains Zebras living on the African savannah plains. They’re currently not threatened, although numbers are decreasing due to hunting for their meat and skins.
