Burchell’s zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) is a prominent subspecies within the plains zebra family. These striped equids are a familiar sight across the savannas of southern Africa, contributing to the region’s diverse wildlife. This subspecies exemplifies the adaptability and social complexity characteristic of plains zebras.
Distinctive Features
Burchell’s zebras possess a striking coat pattern of black and white stripes, unique to each individual, much like human fingerprints. Their stripes are notably wide, becoming more horizontal towards the flanks and hindquarters. A distinguishing characteristic is the presence of fainter “shadow stripes” between the bolder main stripes, particularly visible on their haunches.
The stripes on their neck and forelimbs run vertically, extending into a short, upright mane. Unlike some other zebra species, their stripes generally extend to meet under the belly. Stripes on their legs are usually present, though they may fade towards the hooves. Adult Burchell’s zebras stand between 1.1 to 1.4 meters (3.6 to 4.6 feet) at the shoulder and weigh between 230 to 320 kilograms (500 to 700 pounds).
Habitat and Behavior
Burchell’s zebras primarily inhabit open savannas, grasslands, and woodlands across southeastern Africa, from southern Ethiopia and Sudan down to northern South Africa. They avoid dense forests, deserts, and permanent wetlands, preferring areas with short grasses. These zebras are dependent on water, staying within 10 to 12 kilometers (6 to 7.5 miles) of a water source.
As bulk grazers, their diet consists mainly of short, fresh grasses, though they can also consume taller grasses, stems, and low-protein plants. During dry seasons, they may dig for underground tubers and rhizomes or browse on leaves such as those from the mopane tree. Burchell’s zebras are social animals, living in stable family units composed of a single stallion, one to six mares, and their offspring. Non-breeding males often form separate bachelor herds, which can merge into larger groups.
These zebras are known for their migratory behavior, with some populations undertaking journeys of several hundred kilometers annually in search of new grazing grounds and water. A notable migration involves a 500-kilometer round trip between the Chobe River in Namibia and Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana. Within their herds, individuals engage in allogrooming. When threatened, they emit a high-pitched “kwa-hi” alarm call to alert others, and stallions defend their herds by kicking and biting at predators.
Conservation Status
The plains zebra species, which includes Burchell’s zebra, is classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This classification reflects their widespread distribution and relatively stable populations across much of their range. Despite this overall assessment, localized declines do occur due to ongoing threats to their habitats.
The primary challenges facing Burchell’s zebras involve habitat loss and fragmentation, often driven by agricultural expansion and human development. Poaching and human-wildlife conflict also pose risks to their numbers in certain areas. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats through the establishment of national parks and protected areas to mitigate these pressures and ensure their long-term survival.