Grevy's Zebra in East Africa: Species Profile of the Rarest Zebra

Anyone who has seen a plains zebra will notice at once that Grevy's zebra looks different. The stripes are narrow and dense, the ears are large and rounded like soup bowls, and the animal stands taller and more upright, with a mule-like presence.

This profile explains how to identify the species, how it lives in dry country, why it is endangered and where in Kenya to see it.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Identification

Grevy's zebra is the largest of the three zebra species. The stripes are narrow, black and tightly spaced, running to the hooves, with a white belly free of stripes and a broad dark stripe down the back that ends in a white area at the base of the tail. The head is long, with big, fringed, rounded ears. The animal stands taller than a plains zebra, and the build is heavier. The mane is short and upright. Each animal has its own pattern, a little like a fingerprint, which researchers use to identify individuals.

Habitat and Range

The species lives in semi-arid grassland and scrub, mainly in northern Kenya, with a smaller population in Ethiopia. It once ranged more widely in the Horn of Africa. Today, a large share of the world's Grevy's zebra live in the Laikipia, Samburu and Isiolo regions of Kenya. These are dry landscapes with seasonal rivers, where the zebras feed on grass and drink at waterholes and river sands. Related reading is in the zebra profile.

Behaviour and Water

Unlike plains zebras, Grevy's do not form stable harems. Stallions hold large territories near water and mate with females that pass through, while females and young roam in loose groups. Mares with foals are tied to water because they need to drink frequently, so they stay within reach of waterholes, while other animals can travel longer distances and go without water for several days. Territorial stallions are tolerant of other males that are not rivals, a social system quite different from other zebras.

Diet

Grevy's zebras graze mainly on coarse grasses, which they digest efficiently, and they can eat tougher, lower-quality material than many antelopes. They also browse some leaves and shoots when grass is scarce. They tend to feed through the day and often rest in shade during the hottest hours. Because they share grazing with livestock in much of their range, competition for pasture and water is an important conservation issue.

Threats and Conservation

The species is endangered, and numbers have fallen sharply over several decades. Hunting for skins, competition with livestock for grass and water, loss of access to water points and disease outbreaks have all taken their toll. Conservation efforts include community conservancies, monitoring of individuals, protection of water points and cooperation between ranchers and pastoralists. Visiting the places where the species lives supports these efforts directly; read more in responsible and conservation travel.

Where to See Grevy's Zebra

The best places are in northern Kenya. Samburu National Reserve is famed for the Special Five, which includes Grevy's zebra, and the ground is open enough for good viewing. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Laikipia and Ol Pejeta also have good populations. Meru can provide sightings too, as outlined in the Meru wildlife guide. They do not live in Uganda or Tanzania.

Photography and Related Species

The narrow stripes can confuse autofocus and produce strange patterns on screens, so be sure to shoot in good light and with a decent shutter speed. A side-on view shows the stripes and the sheer size of the animal. The big ears make portraits easy and appealing. Compare with the plains zebra and other northern specials, such as the reticulated giraffe and gerenuk, and read safari photography tips.

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• Uganda travel guide
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