Zebra babies are not social animals. They are mainly kept away from other animals until they are big enough to join the herd and learn their family names. The stripes on a zebra’s body make them distinctive from other animals. They have a unique pattern all over their body and are easily recognizable. Read on to learn about the characteristics of zebras and how to identify a zebra baby. There are many interesting facts about zebras.
Brown and white stripes
A rare genetic mutation in zebras can cause an atypical coat pattern. The zebra’s stripes, which are black and white, are caused by a disruption in the process of melanin synthesis and distribution. Natasha Daly, a reporter with National Geographic, discovered that baby zebras have pale golden stripes, which are a sign of partial albinism.
Researchers have long speculated that the stripes on zebras serve dual functions. Scientists have come up with 18 hypotheses as to why the stripes are present. Some hypotheses suggest that they are an effective thermoregulation method and anti-predator protection, but the evidence for one hypothesis over another is rather weak. In addition, experiments involving live zebras would be costly, logistically challenging, and ethically questionable.
Herding behavior
Zebras’ herding behavior is remarkably similar to that of other horse species. Males usually remain with the birth herd until they are three years old, while females separate at around thirteen months of age. Zebras also display aggressive behavior when passed by other animals. Nevertheless, if you see a zebra, you’re sure to spot it – its stripes are unlike any other animal’s.
The behavior is a natural instinct in zebras, and Rothschild must have had some idea of its importance. Zebras are not particularly docile and, in fact, have no problem biting humans. Their teeth and claws are extremely sharp and, if they get the chance, they can even inflict dangerous bite wounds on their prey. But, the good news for us is that the baby zebra will return to the wild when it grows up and is strong enough to handle it.
Communication with stallions
Zebras communicate through sounds and facial expressions. In danger, they make loud, braying sounds. In greeting and congratulation, they suck their lips and pull their ears back against their heads. They form a circle around a weakened member to ward off a predator. Zebras also use grooming to reinforce their bonds with each other. The zebras will nibble each other’s hair to communicate with each other.
Zebras live in herds of about 1000 individuals. The adult females are unrelated, leaving the herd of their birth. The stallion has mating rights with the mares in the family group. The foals of the stallion will be protected from predators. The stallion’s care is essential for the protection of the young. Communication with stallions for baby zebra
Diet
Diet of a baby zebra includes grass and hay. Zebras are black with white stripes and are considered funky mammals. They feed on grass because it is a valuable source of fiber and nutrients and provides energy and sustenance. This food also contributes to the ecosystem. Unlike other mammals, zebras do not consume meat. They spend the majority of their waking hours grazing.
A zebra’s digestive system is specialized for Africa, which allows them to process more plant material more efficiently. Zebras have single-chambered stomachs, similar to cows and donkeys, and a fermentation process that breaks down fibrous plant matter. Zebras do not breed until they are two to three years old. Females have a shorter gestation period than males and are referred to as mares while males are called stallions. They are capable of mating only during rainy seasons.
Location of zebra herds
The zebra’s unique pattern allows scientists to better track them and spot dangers, like predators, during the day. Because their eyesight is so good, zebras are able to detect dangers from miles away and will typically run away from them when they sense trouble. As such, scientists can use zebra patterns like bar codes to track the movements of zebra herds.
While the plains zebra herds used to be large and widespread, today, these animals are becoming increasingly scarce. The reason for this is their dwindling range. Zebras no longer occupy deserts or wetlands; instead, they prefer arid, treeless grassland. However, the species is in decline in certain areas, including Lesotho and Burundi.