Zebras, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are among Africa’s most recognizable equids. These social mammals employ a diverse range of sounds to navigate their complex social structures and communicate within their herds. Understanding the various noises zebras produce offers insights into their daily lives on the savanna.
The Sounds Zebras Make
One of their most well-known vocalizations is the bray, which shares similarities with a donkey’s call but possesses a broader tonal range. This sound typically starts as a low growl before ascending into a high-pitched squeal, often described as a “hiccupping” sound due to its alternating pitch. Braying can vary in loudness and tone, ranging from soft to very loud, and from high-pitched to low.
Another common sound is the bark, a short, sharp, and high-pitched vocalization, comparable to the yap of a small dog. Zebras also frequently snort, which involves a brief expulsion of air through their nostrils.
Zebras also engage in nickering or whinnying, which is a softer, breathy, and pulsating sound. This vocalization bears a resemblance to a horse’s whinny. Additionally, zebras may emit sharp, high-pitched squeals, particularly during moments of distress or pain. Less common, but noted in preliminary research, Grevy’s zebras have been observed to produce low-frequency hums.
Understanding Zebra Vocalizations
Zebra vocalizations are integral to maintaining coordination and cohesion within the herd. Each zebra possesses individually distinct calls, allowing members of a group to identify one another by sound alone.
Barking primarily functions as an alarm call, alerting the entire herd to the presence of predators or other potential dangers. Similarly, snorting acts as a warning, indicating mild alarm, suspicion, or a general sense of danger. Squeals, on the other hand, are typically indicative of pain or distress, often heard during aggressive encounters between stallions.
Vocalizations also play a significant role in social bonding and identification. Nickering is a close-range sound used for affection and reassurance, particularly between mothers and their foals. Newborn foals often direct high-pitched barks towards their mothers, and mother-foal pairs bond through a combination of sound, scent, and visual recognition. Braying can serve as a long-range locator call, helping to maintain contact among herd members, especially over vast distances or during migrations.
During courtship, male zebras use loud, high-pitched braying to express their interest and assert dominance. This vocal display is part of a complex ritual that includes both visual and auditory cues. Furthermore, braying can convey aggression, anger, or impatience, while snorting, depending on the context, can also signal a friendly greeting when a zebra is calm. The meaning of a zebra’s vocalization is often clarified by the accompanying body language, such as ear position or tail movement.