Grant's zebra: Difference between revisions

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{{subspeciesbox
{{subspeciesbox
| name         = Grant's zebra
| name = Grant's zebra
| image         = Equus quagga.jpg
| image = Equus quagga.jpg
| image_caption = At the [[Hell's Gate National Park]], [[Kenya]]
| image_caption = Grant’s zebra in the wild
| status       = NT
| status = NT
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus         = Equus
| genus = Equus
| species       = quagga
| species = quagga
| species_link = Plains zebra
| species_link = Plains zebra
| subspecies   = boehmi
| subspecies = boehmi
| authority     = [[Matschie]], 1892
| authority = Matschie, 1892
}}
}}
The '''Grant's zebra''' (''Equus quagga boehmi'') is the smallest of six subspecies of the plains zebra. This subspecies represents the zebra form of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.


==Distribution==
'''Grant’s zebra''' (''Equus quagga boehmi'') is a subspecies of the plains zebra, naturally found in several regions of Zambia. It is the most widespread zebra in the country and plays an important role in Zambia’s savanna ecosystems. Within the national context, Grant’s zebras are commonly seen in protected areas such as [[Kafue National Park]], [[Sioma Ngwezi National Park]], and along parts of the upper [[Zambezi River]] basin.
[[File:Grant's_Zebras,_resting,_Serengeti.jpg|thumb|left|Female with foal, resting, [[Serengeti]], [[Tanzania]]]]
 
The distribution of this subspecies is in [[Zambia]] west of the [[Luangwa River|Luangwa]] river and west to [[Kariba (District)|Kariba]], [[Shaba Province]] of the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], north to the Kibanzao Plateau. In [[Tanzania]] north from Nyangaui and [[Kibwezi]] into southwestern [[Kenya]] as far as Sotik. It can also be found in eastern Kenya and east of the [[Great Rift Valley, Kenya|Great Rift Valley]] into southernmost [[Ethiopia]]. It also occurs as far as the [[Juba River]] in [[Somalia]].
== Distribution in Zambia ==
In Zambia, Grant’s zebra is distributed west of the [[Luangwa River]], extending across the [[Southern Province]], [[Western Province]], and parts of the [[Central Province]]. Notably, populations are stable in areas like Kafue National Park and the floodplains of the upper Zambezi. These regions provide ideal habitats due to the open grasslands and seasonal water sources.
 
== Upper Zambezi population ==
Some researchers previously classified the zebras from western Zambia as a distinct subspecies called the **Upper Zambezi zebra** (''Equus quagga zambeziensis''). However, later taxonomic studies found only minor differences in size and skull shape. As a result, these populations are now generally included within the broader Grant’s zebra group.
 
== Physical characteristics ==
Grant’s zebras are medium-sized and display striking black-and-white stripes. The pattern is vertical on the front, diagonal along the flanks, and horizontal on the legs. Shadow stripes are typically absent or faint. Adults usually stand between {{convert|120|and|140|cm|abbr=on}} at the shoulder and weigh about {{convert|300|kg|abbr=on}}. Some individuals found in Zambia may lack manes, particularly in hotter regions.
 
== Behaviour and ecology ==
Zebras are social animals, living in small herds led by a dominant stallion. These family groups move together in search of grazing and water, especially during the dry season. In national parks, Grant’s zebras are often seen grazing alongside impalas, buffaloes, and wildebeests. Their primary diet consists of coarse grasses found in the savanna.


==Upper Zambezi zebras==
Grant’s zebras are resistant to several livestock diseases, which allows them to thrive in Zambia’s natural rangelands. The average lifespan in the wild is about 20 years.
Duncan (1992)<ref name="Duncan 1992">Duncan, P. (ed.). 1992.''Zebras, Asses, and Horses: An Action Plan for the Conservation of Wild Equids''. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group.</ref> recognized the '''Upper Zambezi zebra''' (''Equus quagga zambeziensis'' [[Josef Prokop Pražák|Prazak]], 1898<ref>{{cite journal| journal=Annales historico-naturales Musei nationalis Hungarici| volume=105| year=2013| pages=247–257| title=Type series of Equus quagga zambeziensis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Equidae)|author1=Mayer, T.| author2=Kispal, I.| author3=Cuisin, J.| author4=Csorba, G.}}</ref>). Groves and Bell (2004)<ref name="Groves and bell 2004">Groves, C.P. & Bell, H.B. 2004. "New Investigations on the Taxonomy of the Zebras Genus ''Equus'', subgenus ''Hippotigris''". ''Mammalian Biology''. 69: 182-196.</ref> came to the conclusion that the zebras from West Zambia and [[Malawi]] cannot be distinguished cranially and that they differ only slightly from other northern plains zebras. The rather minor size difference does not justify a separate sub-specific status for the Upper Zambezi zebra. Therefore, they combine these zebras with the Grant's zebra (''Equus quagga boehmi'').


==Characteristics==
== Conservation in Zambia ==
[[File:Grant's Zebra Lakeland, Florida.jpg|thumb|Grant’s zebra at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland, Florida.]]This northern subspecies is vertically striped in front, horizontally on the back legs, and diagonally on the rump and hind flanks. Shadow stripes are absent or only poorly expressed. The stripes, as well as the inner-spaces, are broad and well defined. Northerly specimens may lack a mane. Grant’s zebras grow to be about {{convert|120|to|140|cm|ft}} tall, and generally weigh about {{convert|300|kg|lb}}.<ref name=animalbytes>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=ANIMAL BYTES - Grant's Zebra |work=SeaWorld/Busch Gardens ANIMALS |publisher=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment |date= |url=http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/perissodactyla/grants-zebra.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/61el0ze4d?url=http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/perissodactyla/grants-zebra.htm |archivedate=September 13, 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>  The zebras live in family groups of up to 17 or 18 zebras, and they are led by a single stallion.{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}  Grant’s zebras live an average of 20 years.
Grant’s zebra is not currently endangered, and populations within Zambia’s protected areas remain relatively stable. However, habitat encroachment, illegal hunting, and competition with livestock continue to pose risks in unprotected zones. Civil conflict in neighbouring regions has also led to population shifts, but Zambia has remained a stronghold for the species.


==Regional extinctions==
Kafue and Sioma Ngwezi national parks serve as important sanctuaries, and the species is part of ongoing conservation and eco-tourism programmes managed by the [[Department of National Parks and Wildlife]] under the Ministry of Tourism.
Recent civil wars in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]], [[Rwanda]], [[Somalia]], [[Sudan]], [[Ethiopia]], and [[Uganda]] have caused dramatic declines in all wildlife populations, including those of Grant’s zebra. It is now extinct in [[Burundi]]. Civil war in [[Angola]] during much of the past 25 years has devastated its wildlife populations, including its once-abundant plains zebra, and destroyed the national parks administration and infrastructure. Consequently, the Grant's zebra is probably extinct or nearly so in Angola, although confirmation will have to wait until future surveys are conducted.


There are more Grant’s zebras in the wild than any other species or subspecies of zebras.  Unlike Grevy and Mountain zebras, they are not endangered.<ref name=honolulu_zoo>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Grant's Zebra |work= |publisher=Honolulu Zoo |date= |url=http://www.honoluluzoo.org/zebra.htm |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/61elOVNPV?url=http://www.honoluluzoo.org/zebra.htm |archivedate=September 13, 2011 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref>  Grant’s zebras eat the coarse grasses that grow on the African plains, and they are resistant to diseases that often kill cattle,{{citation needed|date=March 2012}} so the zebras do well in the African savannas. However, recent civil wars and political conflicts in the African countries near their habitats has caused regional extinction, and sometimes zebras are killed for their coats, or to eliminate competition with domestic livestock.<ref name=animalbytes/>
== Importance to ecosystems ==
Zebras help maintain the balance of grassland ecosystems by consuming fibrous grasses that many other herbivores avoid. Their movements also help open up grazing areas, benefiting species that follow behind.


==Gallery==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Grants_Zebras_Florida.jpg|Mother and foal in [[Lakeland, Florida]]
File:Equus quagga boehmi (couple).jpg|Zebras near Chilanga, Zambia
File:Equus quagga boehmi (couple).jpg|Near Chilanga, [[Zambia]]
File:Grant's Zebra Kafue.jpg|Grant’s zebra in Kafue National Park
File:Grant's_Zebra,_fighting,_Serengeti.jpg|Fighting, [[Serengeti]], [[Tanzania]]
File:Grants_Zebras_Zambezi.jpg|Zebra family along the upper Zambezi floodplain
File:Grant's_Zebra,_pregnant_again,_Serengeti.jpg|Pregnant, Serengeti, Tanzania
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
*Moelman, P. D. 2002. [http://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090114114334/http://www.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2002-043.pdf ''Equids: Zebras, Assess and Horses. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan'']. IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group.){{Clarify|date=March 2012|reason=<nowiki>This is not a proper reference citation. Use [[Template:Cite web]] or similar to provide source details. Use <ref...> inline in the article (see [[WP:CITE]]) to source the specific facts provided by this reference.</nowiki>}}
{{refend}}


== See also ==
* [[Wildlife of Zambia]]
* [[Kafue National Park]]
* [[Sioma Ngwezi National Park]]
* [[Department of National Parks and Wildlife]]


[[Category:Zebras]]
[[Category:Zebras]]
[[Category:Mammals of Zambia]]
[[Category:Mammals of Zambia]]
[[Category:Fauna of Zambia]]
[[Category:Animals of the Zambezi Basin]]

Revision as of 18:48, 4 August 2025

Grant's zebra
Grant’s zebra in the wild
Scientific classification e
Unrecognized taxon (fix): Equinae
Genus: Equus
Species:
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Subspecies:
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Trinomial name
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Matschie, 1892

Grant’s zebra (Equus quagga boehmi) is a subspecies of the plains zebra, naturally found in several regions of Zambia. It is the most widespread zebra in the country and plays an important role in Zambia’s savanna ecosystems. Within the national context, Grant’s zebras are commonly seen in protected areas such as Kafue National Park, Sioma Ngwezi National Park, and along parts of the upper Zambezi River basin.

Distribution in Zambia

In Zambia, Grant’s zebra is distributed west of the Luangwa River, extending across the Southern Province, Western Province, and parts of the Central Province. Notably, populations are stable in areas like Kafue National Park and the floodplains of the upper Zambezi. These regions provide ideal habitats due to the open grasslands and seasonal water sources.

Upper Zambezi population

Some researchers previously classified the zebras from western Zambia as a distinct subspecies called the **Upper Zambezi zebra** (Equus quagga zambeziensis). However, later taxonomic studies found only minor differences in size and skull shape. As a result, these populations are now generally included within the broader Grant’s zebra group.

Physical characteristics

Grant’s zebras are medium-sized and display striking black-and-white stripes. The pattern is vertical on the front, diagonal along the flanks, and horizontal on the legs. Shadow stripes are typically absent or faint. Adults usually stand between 120 and 140 cm (47 and 55 in) at the shoulder and weigh about 300 kg (660 lb). Some individuals found in Zambia may lack manes, particularly in hotter regions.

Behaviour and ecology

Zebras are social animals, living in small herds led by a dominant stallion. These family groups move together in search of grazing and water, especially during the dry season. In national parks, Grant’s zebras are often seen grazing alongside impalas, buffaloes, and wildebeests. Their primary diet consists of coarse grasses found in the savanna.

Grant’s zebras are resistant to several livestock diseases, which allows them to thrive in Zambia’s natural rangelands. The average lifespan in the wild is about 20 years.

Conservation in Zambia

Grant’s zebra is not currently endangered, and populations within Zambia’s protected areas remain relatively stable. However, habitat encroachment, illegal hunting, and competition with livestock continue to pose risks in unprotected zones. Civil conflict in neighbouring regions has also led to population shifts, but Zambia has remained a stronghold for the species.

Kafue and Sioma Ngwezi national parks serve as important sanctuaries, and the species is part of ongoing conservation and eco-tourism programmes managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife under the Ministry of Tourism.

Importance to ecosystems

Zebras help maintain the balance of grassland ecosystems by consuming fibrous grasses that many other herbivores avoid. Their movements also help open up grazing areas, benefiting species that follow behind.

References

See also

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