Plains zebras are abundant, and at a low risk of extinction.
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Plains Zebra
Equus burchellii
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Subspecies: There are five subspecies of plains zebras, plus one subspecies (Burchell's, E. b. burchellii)
that is extinct. The existing subspecies are Grant's (E. b. boehmi), Upper Zambezi (E. b. zambesiansis), Crawshay's (E. b. crawshayi),
Chapman's (E. b. chapmani), and Damara (E. b. antiquorum). The boehmi and antiquorum subspecies are classed as 'Lower Risk'
for extinction, but there is insufficient data for the remaining subspecies to assess risk.
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Distribution: Plains zebras occur throughout the southeastern portions of the African
continent. There has been some contraction from their historical geographic range, but not as much
as for many other large herbivore species.
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Ecology:
Plains zebras are primarily grazers, and inhabit grasslands and open shrublands or woodlands. Zebras
remain fairly close to water, and must drink daily. With the exception of needing water, plains
zebras can inhabit a wide variety of habitats, and areas from near sea level to more than 3,500 m.
Zebras form small harems, with a single stallion and up to six females, plus offspring. Males
without harems will form sometimes large bachelor groups.
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Conservation Status:
The taxonomic status of the subspecies of plains zebra is not yet well understood, and experts do not
agree on details. Some experts think that the extinct quagga of South Africa was a subspecies of
plains zebra. More than three-quarters of plains zebras are E. b. boehmi, many of which
are in Tanzania and Kenya, countries with relatively good conservation networks. Wars in countries
with plains zebras have decreased their populations. Plains zebras are most threatened by
the loss of habitat, especially in the southern parts of their range, and by hunting. Crop
cultivation and livestock raising have displaced zebras, and zebra are hunted mostly by local community
members for meat.
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Recommendations:
The taxonomic relationship between plains zebra subspecies should be better understood. Such understanding
is important in efforts to improve global monitoring, another important goal. A better understanding
of the basic biology of the species is needed. For example, experts do not know enough about the
population biology of the species to predict how it might react to the competition with livestock and
loss of habitat it is now facing. Means should be found to reduce poaching and hunting of zebras
by local communities, and ways for communities to profit from maintaining healthy zebra populations.
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Distribution and information were summarized from Hack, East, and Rubenstein (2002), Chapter 4 of the
Equid Action Plan.
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