Zebras are recognizable large mammals native exclusively to the African continent. As members of the Equidae family, they are related to horses and donkeys, distinguished by their unique black and white striped coats. The term “zebra” encompasses several distinct species, each with specialized geographical requirements and distribution across Africa. These species inhabit a wide array of environments, from open grasslands and arid scrublands to high mountain slopes. Their locations reflect varied adaptations to climate and the constant need for water and forage.
Distribution and Habitat of Plains Zebras
The Plains Zebra (Equus quagga) is the most numerous and geographically widespread of the three species, spanning much of eastern and southern Africa. This distribution extends from South Sudan and southern Ethiopia southward through East Africa, reaching northern South Africa and the western regions of Namibia. They are commonly found across open savanna, grasslands, and lightly wooded areas, demonstrating a high tolerance for varied environments.
This species is highly dependent on accessible water sources, typically remaining within a 12-kilometer radius of water. Their reliance on water dictates their migratory behavior, particularly in large ecosystems like the Serengeti, where massive herds follow annual rainfall patterns to find fresh grazing. Plains Zebras can also be found at high altitudes, inhabiting areas up to 4,300 meters on the slopes of Mount Kenya. Their robust social structure, involving stable family units called harems, allows them to utilize various grass types and dominate the open plains environment.
Distribution and Habitat of Grévy’s Zebras
The Grévy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi), the largest of the zebras, occupies a highly restricted distribution. It is limited almost entirely to the arid and semi-arid scrublands of northern Kenya and isolated pockets in southern Ethiopia. This species has been extirpated from historical parts of its range, including Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Today, more than 90% of the global population resides within Kenya.
Their habitat is characterized by sparse vegetation and harsh, dry conditions, to which they exhibit specialized adaptations. While they need access to permanent water sources, adult Grévy’s Zebras can survive without drinking for up to five days, a notable difference from the Plains Zebra. This adaptation influences their social structure, which is less cohesive; they form loose, non-harem groups with males maintaining large territories that attract breeding females.
Distribution and Habitat of Mountain Zebras
Mountain Zebras (Equus zebra) are confined to the rugged, elevated terrain of southwestern Africa, specifically in South Africa and Namibia, with a marginal presence in southwestern Angola. They require mountainous slopes, rocky escarpments, and high plateaus, often found at elevations reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level. Their physical build, including harder hooves, is suited for navigating this difficult, uneven terrain.
The species is divided into two recognized subspecies with slightly differing ranges: the Cape Mountain Zebra (E. z. zebra) and the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra (E. z. hartmannae). The Cape subspecies is found exclusively in the mountainous regions of South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape provinces. The Hartmann’s subspecies occupies the arid mountainous transition zone between the central plateau and the Namib Desert in Namibia and Angola. These zebras form small breeding herds that move between higher and lower elevations to follow seasonal forage and water availability.
Range Changes and Conservation Status
The geographical distribution of all three zebra species has been altered from their historical extents, primarily due to human activity and environmental pressures. The Plains Zebra population, while still numbering over 500,000, has declined in ten of the seventeen countries where it occurs and is now categorized as Near Threatened. This decline is linked to the fragmentation of migration routes by fencing and competition with domestic livestock for grazing land and water.
The Grévy’s Zebra has suffered the most dramatic reduction, with its range shrinking by over 80% and its population listed as Endangered. Primary threats are habitat degradation from overgrazing by cattle, which monopolizes water sources, and poaching for their skins. The Mountain Zebra has seen its historical range reduced by approximately 50% and is listed as Vulnerable. Threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion in South Africa and mining operations in Namibia, which further isolates their mountain populations.