Zebras, with their distinctive striped coats, are also known for their varied and expressive sounds across the African savanna. These vocalizations form a complex communication system, allowing zebras to interact within their herds and navigate their environment effectively. Understanding the different calls provides insight into their social behaviors and survival strategies in the wild.
The Sounds of Zebras: What are Zebra Calls?
Zebras produce a range of vocalizations, each with unique auditory characteristics. One common sound is the bark, which is short, sharp, and high-pitched, sometimes compared to a small dog’s yap. The bray is perhaps the most recognizable zebra sound, starting as a low growl and rising into a high-pitched squeal, often described as a “hiccupping” sound with alternating pitch.
Zebras also use snorts, which are short bursts of air through the nostrils, similar to a horse’s snort. A softer, breathy sound called a nicker is used for close-range interactions. Squeals are sharp, high-pitched cries, often associated with pain or distress. Preliminary research even suggests that Grevy’s zebras may produce low-frequency hums, possibly for communication in low-visibility conditions.
The Language of the Herd: Why Do Zebras Call?
Zebra vocalizations serve multiple purposes, playing a central role in their social structure and survival. Alarm calls, typically short and sharp barks or snorts, alert the herd to potential threats, such as predators. Zebras vocalize upon sighting a predator, alerting the herd.
Vocalizations also foster social cohesion and bonding within the herd. The softer nicker sound is frequently used in close-range bonding, especially between a mare and her foal, communicating reassurance and affection. Mares use softer vocalizations, such as snorts, to maintain contact with their foals, while foals might use nickers and whinnies to seek proximity or nursing. These auditory exchanges contribute to the foal’s well-being and survival.
Beyond alarm and bonding, zebras use calls for dominance displays and mating. Stallions may use loud brays during courtship and to assert their position. Brays can also function as long-range locator calls, helping herd members find each other across open grasslands. Squeals are commonly heard during fights between stallions, indicating pain or distress during aggressive encounters. This allows zebras to establish hierarchy within their groups.
Regional Dialects: Differences Among Zebra Species
While all zebra species share common vocalization types, there are distinct variations among Plains zebras (Equus quagga), Grevy’s zebras (Equus grevyi), and Mountain zebras (Equus zebra). Plains zebras are known for their distinctive “barking” sound, which functions as a contact call.
Grevy’s zebras, the largest of the three species, are often described as having a more donkey-like bray. Their calls tend to be louder and more frequent compared to other zebras. Mountain zebras, in contrast, are generally less vocal than the other two species and may emit a high-pitched, submissive call. These differences in pitch, frequency, and usage reflect unique adaptations influenced by their habitats and social structures.