![]() With their outstanding eyesight and social behaviour preference, they can easily defend themselves as they tend to stick together in groups. Though it is clear that the zebra has many enemies when it comes to both predators and man, they are not completely defenceless. Human’s farming practice also impact zebras’ feeding grounds as these herbivores’ habitat areas sizes are reduced. Over and above eating this animal’s meat, humans also hunt zebras for their pelts that are then used for various items such as rugs and chair upholstery. The meat of the Burchell’s zebra, a subspecies of the plains zebra, is considered to be edible and packed full of vitamins such as zinc, Vitamin B12 and iron. Sadly, humans are considered to be one of the biggest threats to zebras due to both diet and trade. Although a zebra can sometimes break free and flee the jaws of these powerful animals, the Nile crocodile doesn’t give up easily and it will take tremendous willpower and strength for a zebra to not resign to its fate. To kill their catch, Nile crocodiles will either crush or try to drown them in the water. Then, when the time is right, they strike, clamping down on their prey with a powerful bite that is not easy to get out of. These ambush predators lurk in dam and river waters where the zebras might go for a soothing drink or when they need to cross a body of water. Next zebra predators are crocodiles, which pose a big threat to zebras. African wild dogs typically hunt in packs of six to twenty and some of their easiest zebra prey would be those animals that are ill or have been injured before. These animals, although small in stature, can easily gain the upper hand on a zebra when they are hunting in packs, as seen in the Serengeti. African wild dogsĪnother smaller yet deadly species that target zebras as a food source is the African wild dog. Lone cheetahs will usually hunt young colts however, when they are hunting in packs, this predator of zebras can take down bigger, adult zebras as they have the advantage of numbers, strength and being able to overtake the zebra. With their good eyesight and their speed, they are one of the zebra’s most dangerous enemies. CheetahsĬheetahs are the fastest land animals on earth, reaching speeds of up to 120.7 km/h (75.0 mph). When they attack, they will grab hold of their prey with a strong hold of their jaws before striking blow after lethal blow. ![]() The leopards’ coat makes it easy to be camouflaged in the long grass as they move closer to unsuspecting prey such as the zebra. Although they are smaller than big predators such as lions, they will not hesitate to hunt young or injured zebras. These zebra predators are stealthy hunters who are small in size but have strong muscles and resilience. A pack of 10 to 25 hyenas can easily catch a zebra to feast on. Zebras are often on hyenas’ radar and are hunted along with other prey preferred by the spotted hyenas. Spotted hyenasĪlthough hyenas are known to be scavenger animals that have no qualms digging into other predators’ leftovers during the day, they do hunt for food at night. This tactic enables them to have the element of surprise and to easily take down a strong and healthy zebra. This zebra predators are known to stalk their prey before pouncing. However, a pride of lions can overpower a zebra easily. This is due to zebras being bigger than lions and being able to deliver hard kicks with their hooves. ![]() Zebras are not completely defenceless when it comes to protecting themselves against these much-feared yet respected predators. Let’s take a look at some of the Zebra’s main predators. Although zebras are more than capable of protecting themselves with their sharp hooves and swift kicks, they are unfortunately preyed upon by several predators that have developed a taste for their meat. Added to this, the mountain zebra and the Grévy’s zebra are today listed as endangered species.Īnother threat to zebras’ existence is the presence of predators. Sadly, the zebra population has been affected negatively by the destruction of their habitats and by those hunting them for their skins to create trade products. In the wild, they can be found in various habitats, including grasslands and hills, and they usually prefer environments that do not have dense vegetation. These social animals are classified in three different species: the plains zebra (also known as the common zebra), the mountain zebra and the Grévy’s zebra (also known as the Imperial zebra). With their black and white stripes, zebras are a distinctive wildlife species often seen in game parks, zoos and the wild.
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