Grevy's Zebra Facts - Grevy's zebra - Equus grevyi

Shoulder height 1.5 meters
Mass 385 to 430 kilograms
Gestation 387 to 428 days

Grevy's zebras are the largest species in the zebra family and can be distinguished from the Burchell's (or Plains) zebra by four major characteristics:

Grevy's zebra

• Thinner black and white stripes than a plains zebra. \
• White belly.
• Distinctive large rounded ears (like a bear).
• Territorial mating system

Grevy's zebras are primarily grazers, but do eat foliage as well in times of drought.

The social organisation of the Grevy's zebra is very different to that of the Burchell's. Grevy's follow a territorial system which is adapted to arid environments where resources are patchily distributed. Breeding males stake out territories of between 7-12 square kilometers, containing water and grazing resources which they will defend for up to seven years. As non-lactating females range widely in search of those resources, the male is able to mate with these females as they pass through his territory. Water within their territories is also vital to lactating females. Females come into oestrus 4 - 5 days after foaling, and can then mate with the resident territorial male.

Grevy's zebra nursery on Lewa

In the past, Grevy's could be found in Ethiopia , Somalia , and Northern Kenya . Now they are considered extinct in Somalia , with a small number in Ethiopia (less than 150) and the remainder in Northern Kenya . Today, Grevy's zebras survive in only a few protected areas. Of the world population (less than 2,300) over 20 % are found on Lewa.

Main Reasons for the Grevy's Decline
Before hunting was banned in 1977 an increase in firearm availability due to political breakdown led to large-scale hunting and poaching for Grevy's zebra meat and skins. Furthermore, only 0.5% of the Grevy's zebra range is currently protected. This makes them vulnerable to the effects of overgrazing and poaching.

Today, overgrazing by livestock around water sources means that lactating Grevy's females, who depend on water, cannot find water and food sources in the same place. This has caused a dramatic drop in the number of foals that survive.

Success in Lewa

The number of Grevy's zebras has increased substantially here on Lewa. In 1991 the Lewa Grevy's population numbered 259 individuals and today fluctuates between 400-500 animals.

The reasons for the population increase on Lewa are:
Lewa is a protected area, so hunting for subsistence or commercial use has been completely eliminated.
Livestock numbers have been greatly reduced, thereby reducing competition for grazing and water grounds for Grevy's zebras.

In the future, the balanced populations on Lewa and in other protected areas will be vital to ensuring the survival of the Grevy's zebra and will be used as a reservoir for restocking the national parks.