PLAINS ZEBRA (SOUTHERN AFRICA) Equus quagga PLAINS

Plains Zebra
PLAINS ZEBRA (SOUTHERN AFRICA) Equus quagga
PLAINS (BURCHELL’S) ZEBRA (CENTRAL & EAST AFRICA) Equus burchelli
German:Steppenzebra
French:
Zèbre de Burchell
Spanish: Cebra de burchellii
Breeding
Mating season:
Tied to rains but births through year; peaks East Africa –
October – March; South Africa – November – February
Measurements
Total length:
Gestation:
360 – 390 days
2,3 – 3 m
(7.5‘ – 9.8‘)
Number of young:
1
Tail:
43 – 56 cm
(17” – 22”)
Shoulder Height:
1,3 m (4.3‘)
Weight:
290 – 340 kg
(640 – 750 lb)
Birth weight: 30-35 kg (66 – 77 lb)
Sexual maturity:
Male
5 – 6 years
Female 2.5 years
Longevity:
Captives to more than 29 years
Plains zebra Grant’s race
Plains zebra Crawshay’s race
Plains zebra Upper Zambezi race
Plains zebra Chapman’s race
Plains zebra Damara race
Upper Zambezi race
Grant’s race
Description
Recently the plains zebra has been split
into two separate species, with up to
seven sub-species being recognised. The
races in south-central southern Africa are
designated as plains zebra (E. quagga) and
the rest through central and East Africa
remain as Burchell’s zebra (E. burchelli).
Most of the animals in the south have
black stripes on a white background
with “shadow stripes” on the white,
with minimal striping on the lower legs
and more white on the belly. Central
and eastern populations usually lack the
“shadow stripes”, have more extensive
striping on the lower legs and on the
belly. Ears shorter than in the other zebra
species.
populations in South Africa, Botswana,
Namibia and Zambia. Huntable in all
except Kenya.
Distribution
Race found in much of East Africa is
Grant’s zebra, with Crawshay’s zebra
in southern Tanzania and northern
Mozambique. Chapman’s zebra is
present in Mozambique and much of
Zimbabwe, whereas populations in
southern Angola and western Zambia are
assigned to the so-called Upper Zambezi
zebra. The Damara and Chapman’s races
are restricted to southern Africa.
Conservation standing
By far the largest populations are in
Tanzania and Kenya, with the greatest
concentration being in the Serengeti/
Mara ecosystem, with other substantial
Right front, 77 mm
Right back, 83 mm
Habitats
Occur mainly in open grassed woodland
and grassland savanna, avoiding any
form of dense woodland.
Behaviour
They live in small family herds of an adult
stallion, 2 – 5 mares and their young of
one or two seasons. Much larger herds
are commonly seen, especially during
seasonal migrations, but the family units
retain their integrity. Stallions vigorously
defend or try to take over family herds,
but stallions without breeding units join
bachelor groups, or run alone. Some
populations, as in the Serengeti/Mara
system, are seasonal migrants, whereas
others are largely sedentary. Those
populations that do migrate are largely
influenced by environmental conditions.
Their barking “kwa-ha-ha” call is one
of the distinctive calls of the African
savanna.
Food
Predominantly grazers, but will browse
during dry conditions.
Shot placement
Rifles and Ammunition
Suggested Calibre: Flat-shooting cartridge from
7mm to .338.
Bullet: Expanding bullet designed for penetration.
Sights: Medium-range variable power scope.
Hunting Conditions: Expect shots from 50 to 250
yards (46-230m).
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Photo: G.&M. von Hasseln
Plains Zebra
Northern populations of plains zebra, here Grant’s from northern Tanzania, lack shadow stripes
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Game Animals of the World