The Plains Zebra (Burchell's zebra)
The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchelli), also known as the common zebra or Burchell's zebra, is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. It ranges from the south of Ethiopia through East Africa to as far south as Angola and eastern South Africa. The plains zebra remains common in game reserves, but is threatened by human activities such as hunting for its meat and hide, as well as competition with livestock and encroachment by farming on much of its habitat.
Physical description
The plains zebra is mid-sized, smaller on average than the other two zebra species, and thick bodied with relatively short legs. There is some variation in size, based on the animals' condition and subspecies. Adults of both sexes can stand from 1.1 to 1.47 m high at the shoulder, are 2 to 2.5 m long, not counting a 50 cm tail, and weigh 175 to 387 kg. Males may weigh 10% more than females.
Like all zebras, they are boldly striped in black and white, and no two individuals look exactly alike. They also have black or dark muzzles. The natal coat of a foal is brown and white. All have vertical stripes on the forepart of the body, which tend towards the horizontal on the hindquarters. The northern populations have narrower and more defined striping; southern populations have varied but lesser amounts of striping on the underparts, the legs and the hindquarters. Southern populations also have brown "shadow" stripes between the black and white coloring. These are absent or poorly expressed in northern zebras.
Embroyoloical evidence has shown that the zebra's background color is dark and the white is an addition. The first subspecies to be described, the now-extinct quagga, had plain brown hindquarters. There have been various mutations of the zebra's pelage from mostly white to mostly black. Rare albino zebras have been recorded in the forests of Mount Kenya.
Function of the stripes
The striping pattern of the zebra is unique among sympatric ungulates. One suggested function for the stripes is to camouflage the animal in tall grass or in the dappled shade beneath bushes and trees. However, animals that use camouflage, like the kudu and bushbuck, tend to be quiet and stealthy. They freeze when there is danger and flee only at the last moment. By contrast, the zebra is active and noisy, and makes no attempt to hide itself. Another suggestion is that the stripes affect a predator's judgement of the zebra's size, distance and what direction it is going in. However, zebra stripes do not appear to affect any of these. A related hypothesis is that the stripes make it difficult for a predator to single out and learn about on an individual during a chase. Perhaps the best explanation for the stripes is that they serve a social function. Individual zebras can apparently recognize each other by their striping patterns. The stripes may also serve as visual cues for grooming. In addition, they could serve to help zebra groups stay together when they are fleeing.
Gaits
Like horses, zebras walk, trot, canter and gallop. They are generally slower than horses, but their great stamina helps them outpace predators. When chased, a zebra will zig-zag from side to side, making it more difficult for the predator. When cornered, the zebra will rear up and kick or bite its attacker.
Senses
Zebras have excellent eyesight. It is believed that they can see in color. Like most ungulates, the zebra has its eyes on the sides of its head, giving it a wide field of view. Zebras also have night vision, although not as advanced as that of most of their predators.
Zebras have excellent hearing, and tend to have larger, rounder ears than horses. Like horses and other ungulates, zebra can turn their ears in almost any direction. In addition to eyesight and hearing, zebras have an acute sense of smell and taste.
The Red Trail is the longest trail in Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve and takes you on a grand tour of the reserve, almost following the perimeter of the reserve. Sightings of forest and plains wildlife are just about guaranteed - this includes zebras, monkeys and if you are lucky a duiker or shy bushbuck.
From the parking waypoint, it is a short walk to the cache but please take water along on a hot day. Enjoy your surroundings and do a bit of birding. Purple crested turacos are common in the reserve.
At the parking co-ordinates there are a number of braai places, so take the family, charcoal, and braai goodies.
Reserve opening hours are from 06h00 to 18h00. A small admission charge is levied, but holders of Rhino Cards get free entry.