mountain zebra
Quick Summary
The mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is a subspecies of zebra native to southern Africa. Zebras are mammals in the horse family, characterized by their distinctive black-and-white stripes.12
There are three species of zebra: the plains zebra, Grevy's zebra, and the mountain zebra. The mountain zebra inhabits dry upland plains in Namibia and parts of South Africa. It has smaller, more closely spaced stripes than the plains zebra, with a unique grid-like pattern on its rump.2
Mountain zebras, like other zebras, are adapted for speed and can subsist on grasses unsuitable for other animals, especially during dry seasons. They have been known to dig for water in dry riverbeds. While once nearly extinct, conservation efforts have led to population increases, though they still face challenges from habitat loss and competition with livestock.231
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
equine…called horses; three species (E. zebra, E. burchelli, and E. grevyi) are called zebras; and two (E. asinus and E. hemionus) are usually called wild asses.
Read More…called horses; three species (E. zebra, E. burchelli, and E. grevyi) are called zebras; and two (E. asinus and E. hemionus) are usually called wild asses.
Read More
zebra…areas in Ethiopia; and the mountain zebra (E. zebra), which inhabits dry upland plains in Namibia and a few scattered areas in western South Africa. The plains zebra is made up of six subspecies: E. quagga crawshaii (Crawshay’s zebra), E. quagga borensis (half-maned zebra), E. quagga boehmi (Grant’s
Read More…areas in Ethiopia; and the mountain zebra (E. zebra), which inhabits dry upland plains in Namibia and a few scattered areas in western South Africa. The plains zebra is made up of six subspecies: E. quagga crawshaii (Crawshay’s zebra), E. quagga borensis (half-maned zebra), E. quagga boehmi (Grant’s
Read More
