Burchell's zebra (Equus burchellii) is the common zebra of the Kruger, a member of the horse family instantly known by its bold black-and-white stripes, no two patterns alike. Slightly smaller than a horse, it lives in small family herds and often grazes alongside wildebeest and antelope for extra safety.
Name
Burchell’s Zebra [Equus burchelli]
Appearance
The Zebra, known for a few funny nicknames like the Pajama Horse, is an icon of the Kruger National Park and other outlying areas. The Burchell’s Zebra is a member of the Horse family, sharing similar traits such as the whip like tail, long skinny legs, long face and the mane on its neck. Where the Zebra and Domestic/Wild Horses differ is the Zebra is slightly smaller than horses and it has the iconic black and white stripes covering its entire body.
Breeding
The Zebra does not have a Mating Season and is thus a non-Seasonal Breeder. The Foals can be born in any month although most foals are born in the summer months. The gestation period of a zebra ranges between 355 and 400 days where only one foal is born. The foal’s weight averages around 35kg’s. At the age of 11, the zebra foals are weaned.
Behaviour
Zebras usually travel in small herds, usually consisting of one Stallion, a Mare and their foals. The stallions who don’t breed travel together in Bachelor herds. The average age of a herd stallion is 12 years old. When there are watering holes in close proximity to grazing areas, multiple Family herds can be found grazing together. To help increase their safety, Zebra herds can usually be found with Wildebeest, baboons and antelope.
Where can they be seen?
TheBurchell’s Zebra is an animal that can be seen through out South Africa, from the Kruger Park to farms and fields in the high and lowveld. There are two main species of Zebra in South Africa, The Cape Mountain Zebra and the Burchell’s Zebra, with the former found in The Southern and western cape of South Africa. These animals are very popular for people on a Kruger National Park Safari.
Interesting Notes
There used to be three different species of Zebra in South Africa. The Third Species went extinct in the 19th Century and was called the Quagga, an animal whose likeness resembled a combination of a horse and Zebra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do zebras have stripes?
Every zebra's stripe pattern is unique, like a fingerprint, and helps herd members recognise one another. Scientists also believe the stripes may confuse predators when the herd moves together and help deter biting flies. What is certain is that the pattern makes Burchell's zebra one of the Kruger's most recognisable animals.
Where can you see zebra in the Kruger?
Burchell's zebra are common throughout the Kruger, especially on open grassland and savannah near water. They travel in small family herds of a stallion, mares and foals, and often mix with wildebeest, baboons and antelope. Grazing herds gather where good grass and waterholes lie close together.
How do zebra protect themselves from predators?
Zebra rely on numbers, alertness and speed. They often graze with wildebeest and antelope, so more eyes and ears watch for danger, and a fleeing herd of flickering stripes makes it hard for a predator to single out one animal. A cornered zebra can also deliver a powerful, bone-breaking kick.
How is a zebra herd organised?
Zebra live in small family herds led by a single stallion, with a group of mares and their foals; the average herd stallion is about twelve years old. Young males that are not breeding gather in separate bachelor herds. Where grazing and water are close together, several family herds may feed side by side.
