International Cebra Day 2025. The natural distribution of zebras is in the east and southern Africawith strong preference to meadows without trees or sabana forests. They belong to the Equide family, although their morphology is similar to that of horses and donkeys that belong to the same family.
The chipping fur is particularly different, which makes them different. It is believed that the fur serves as camouflage before possible predators and level their body temperature. The stripes also make up a unique pattern for each zebra, which is possible to serve them to recognize each other.
On our planet there are three species of zebras: zebra of the plain (Equus quagga)Grévy zebra (Equus Grevyi) and mountain zebra (Equus zebra)and unfortunately All are under a risk category within the List, almost threatened (NT) network, in danger (in) and vulnerable (VU) respectively. We can also find the Grévy zebra within the APPENDIX I OF THE CITES and Mountain zebra in Appendix II.
Grevy’s zebra is the species that already exists that stalks the greatest risks. So much that in the red list of the IUCN it is listed as in danger of extinction. Recognizable for its large rounded ears, it is the species that has the finest and most narrow stripes of the three existing ones.
Grevy’s zebras once inhabited the entire area between Somalia to Djibouti crossing the territory of Eritrea. But the decrease in the number of specimens is very serious and have disappeared from many of the sites where until a few years ago it was common to see them. Currently, they are only found in northern Kenya and in a very small area of Ethiopia.
Among all African mammals, this species is one of those whose geographical distribution has been more dramatically reduced. In fact, they have long been victims of hunting for a long time, because their skin was considered of great value and its flesh is highly appreciated by certain tribes of the North Keniata. However, the biggest of the problems he faces is the shortage of pastures and water.
Human: the worst neighbors
Over -exploited floors have become especially arid. A situation that is aggravated in times of drought. To this we must add the competition of wild animals with cattle for the opportunity to feed the natural pastures. Something that is exclusively fault of humans.
Kenya is experiencing significant population growth. This makes populations need to disperse more and more and their flocks graze in areas that were previously reserved for Grevy’s zebras and other wild animals, many of which are being pushed into extermination for this cause.
In nature there are still about 660,000 copies of common goats. These must makes up daily, so they usually live near areas of springs, rivers and eaglets. Instead, Grevy’s zebra can spend up to 5 days without drinking, so great distances between well and well move. But the pertinal droughts are also taking its toll on this species.
Ingrious efforts are being made to try to save them. But many of the people who protect them fear that their grandchildren can no longer see Grevy zebras in freedom. The unstoppable advance of humans and the lack of information are two of the main factors, which are ending the zebras and many more species.