Zebras typically do not inhabit true deserts. These iconic striped mammals are found across various landscapes in Africa, but their survival depends on specific environmental conditions largely absent in arid desert regions, making these areas unsuitable for their long-term survival.
Where Zebras Thrive
Zebras thrive in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands across eastern and southern Africa. These habitats offer abundant vegetation necessary for their diet, which consists mainly of various grasses like red oat, Bermuda, and African foxtail. They are considered “pioneer grazers,” consuming tougher, taller grasses and preparing the landscape for other grazing animals.
Reliable water sources are important for zebras. Daily access to water is generally necessary to support their metabolism and grazing habits. These environments also provide the open spaces zebras need to roam, migrate in search of food, and evade predators.
Environmental Factors Unsuitable for Zebras
Deserts pose challenges, making them inhospitable for zebras. A primary factor is the severe lack of water; deserts receive very low annual rainfall, often less than 250 millimeters. This contrasts sharply with the zebras’ need for consistent water intake.
Sparse vegetation means an insufficient supply of the grasses that constitute the bulk of a zebra’s diet. Desert plants are often specialized to conserve water, making them less palatable or nutritious for large grazers like zebras. Additionally, deserts experience extreme temperature fluctuations, with scorching daytime heat often exceeding 38°C and dramatically cold nights, sometimes dropping below freezing. These harsh conditions are not conducive to the zebras’ physiological needs or their ability to find adequate shelter.
Zebra Species and Their Habitats
There are three main species of zebras, each with slightly different habitat preferences, though none are true desert dwellers. Plains zebras (Equus quagga), the most common species, inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands across much of eastern and southern Africa. They are known for their wide range and often participate in large migrations driven by food and water availability.
Grevy’s zebras (Equus grevyi) are found in the semi-arid shrublands and grasslands of Kenya and Ethiopia. While adapted to more arid conditions than plains zebras, they still require permanent water sources and are not found in true deserts, often digging for water in dry streambeds.
Mountain zebras (Equus zebra) live in rugged, mountainous, and escarpment areas in parts of South Africa and Namibia, at higher altitudes. They prefer areas with diverse grass species and perennial water sources. While some are found near the edge of the Namib Desert, they still rely on specific water-rich zones within that landscape.