Zebras, native to the vast grasslands of Africa, are representative herbivores of the continent. They are characterized by their solid and agile bodies and their unique black and white striped patterns.

There are three different types of zebras in the world: plains zebras, mountain zebras, and Grant's zebras. While plains zebras are the most common species and live in savannah and desert areas, mountain zebras inhabit alpine regions, and Grant's zebras live in the grasslands of eastern and southern Africa.

Being herbivores, zebras feed on grass, shrubs, twigs, leaves, and even bark. Their highly adaptable digestive system allows them to survive in low-nutrient conditions, which is superior to other herbivores. In addition, zebras are more resistant to African diseases than horses, but they have never been domesticated or crossed with horses.

Zebras are notoriously elusive and difficult to tame, possessing excellent early warning mechanisms, such as peripheral vision far superior to other horses. They are often short-tempered and become increasingly antisocial as they age.

Although zebras are commonly described as having black and white stripes, in reality, zebra stripes come in many different shapes and colors. Some zebras have close-packed stripes, while others have intermittent stripes.

In addition, some zebras come in a variety of colors, such as brown, gray, and orange. Moreover, the stripes of each zebra are unique, just like human fingerprints.

Several theories have been proposed to explain why zebras have their unique appearance. One theory is that stripes help zebras blend into the background in grasslands and forests to avoid detection by predators.

Another theory suggests that the stripes help zebras cool down in the tropics. Recent studies have shown that these stripes can also scare away some disgusting insects.

After research by zoologists, it was discovered that when zebra cubs are still embryos in their mother's womb, their skin color is black. During embryonic development, the melanin in some parts of the skin is lost, which results in the appearance of white streaks. When the embryo is completed, the baby zebra's body is covered with white stripes.

Zebras are highly social animals and often form large herds consisting of thousands of individuals. In these groups, zebras communicate with each other and find food and water. Zebras are also excellent runners and can reach a top speed of 60 miles per hour.

Zebras reproduce quickly, with the gestation period of a female zebra typically lasting only 11 to 12 months. The young horses born can walk and graze with their mothers shortly after birth. The young horses follow the mare until they are able to move independently.

Sadly, the number of zebras is decreasing day by day due to the degradation of the wild environment and illegal hunting. Several countries have taken measures to protect zebras, including prohibiting illegal hunting and limiting the range of human activities.

Moreover, several organizations are working hard to protect the habitat and living conditions of zebras to ensure the survival of these beautiful animals.