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Zebra
Description: Burchell's zebra shows considerable variation in colouration and patterning but is normally striped in black and white with fainter 'shadow' stripes superimposed on the white stripe, particularly on the hindquarters. No "grid-iron" pattern on rump and striping extend on to underparts. Long, erect mane extends from top of head to shoulders. Striping may not extend to the hoofs. Habitat: Zebra is widely distributed throughout the northern parts of Botswana, in the west, south to the Aha Hills; throughout the southern part of the Okavango delta and south to the Kwebe Hills; northern parts of Makgadikgadi and east to Zimbabwean border.
Behaviour: Burchell's zebra associate in family herds consisting of an adult stallion, mares and their foals; other stallions forms bachelor herds or run alone. Family units normally number 4 - 6. Much larger herds usually consist of numerous smaller herds coming together temporarily. They have a characteristics call that has been likened to a bark-"Kwa-ha-ha"-which was also the call of the extinct Quagga, hence the name. Food: Zebras are predominantly grazers. Reproduction: Single foal with a mass of 30-35kg born usually in summer; gestation period 375 days. |
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