What role does a stallion play in a zebra family group?

In the family groups of plains and mountain zebras, the stallion plays a central role in leadership and protection. His responsibilities include:

• Herd Management: The stallion leads the harem, which consists of several unrelated mares and their foals. When the group is on the move, he typically remains at the rear, where he maintains control over the herd's movement.1
• Defense: The stallion acts as a protector against predators. If the harem is threatened, he will actively attack threats such as hyenas and wild dogs to defend the mares and their young.1
• Competition: Within the Equidae family, adult males engage in fighting to compete for access to estrous mares. These encounters may involve biting, kicking, and rearing.12

While the stallion leads the harem, the group remains stable even if he is replaced by another male.1