Grevy's zebra are classified as endangered.
The fine stripping pattern on Grevy's
zebras makes them especially beautiful.
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Grevy's Zebra
Equus grevyi
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Subspecies: There are no subspecies of Grevy's zebra.
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Distribution:
Grevy's zebra used to occur throughout northern Kenya and into Somalia and Ethiopia, to the coast
of Eritrea. Today, northern Kenya is the species' stronghold, with an isolated population in Ethiopia.
There may be a few Grevy's zebra in the Sudan.
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Ecology:
There have been a few long-term studies of Grevy's
zebras conducted in Kenya, providing information about their ecology. Grevy's zebras are mainly grazers, but
if stressed, can forage on shrubs or trees.
Grevy's zebras must have regular access to water; at least every few days, and almost daily for
females with foals. Like other equids, Grevy's zebra males defend territories that contain resources
the females need, thereby giving males access to the females. In times of very low rainfall, females
may not produce foals at all, and be in better condition to foal when rains return.
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Conservation Status:
There has been a drastic decline in the numbers of Grevy's zebras, from about 15,000
in the 1970s, to 3,000 to 3,500 today.
Grevy's zebra are protected from hunting in Ethiopia, and hunting is not legal in Kenya.
Diversion of water from rivers for irrigating crops is an important threat to
Grevy's zebras; access to water is critical for them. Grevy's zebra compete with
resident livestock for forage, causing conflict and reduced range condition. That
said, when Grevy's have been introduced into more southern parts of Kenya, they have been
received well by local communities. Lastly, like most equids, Grevy's zebra are
threatened because of hunting for meat. These zebra's used to be hunted for their
skins, but that is uncommon now. About 600 zebras are held in zoos and sanctuaries.
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Recommendations:
More information is needed about the ecology of Grevy's zebras, as well as how they
interact with humans and their livestock. The species' status and ecology within
Ethiopia is poorly known. Water supplies in northern Kenya are critical for
the survival of Grevy's zebra, and should be conserved. This may entail improving
communication between users up-stream and down-stream, improving water usage, and
forming associations of water users to better manage the resource. Those managing
conservation areas that contain Grevy's zebras should be assisted, both financially
and through cooperative efforts. Populations should be monitored, along with the
habitat of the zebras. Reintroductions have been conducted with Grevy's zebra, and
more may need to occur.
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Distribution and information were summarized from Williams (2002), Chapter 2 of the
Equid Action Plan.
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