Head to head
Grevy's Zebra vs Plains Zebra
Grevy's Zebra
VS Plains Zebra
Grevy's zebra and the plains zebra are two zebras of Africa that differ in stripe pattern, social life, and numbers, with one in steep decline and the other far more common.
| Grevy's Zebra | Plains Zebra | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Equus grevyi | Equus quagga |
| Size | The largest of the wild horses, asses, and zebras | Between 220 and 320 kg and 1.1 to 1.5 m at the shoulder |
| Stripes | Fine, narrow stripes and a white belly, with big, rounded ears | Broader stripes, with every zebra's pattern unique, like a fingerprint |
| Habitat and range | Semi-arid grassland and scrub in northern Kenya and Ethiopia | Savannas and grasslands from South Sudan and Ethiopia to South Africa |
| Social life | Males hold territories around water and good grazing | Lives in harems of one stallion, several mares, and their foals |
| Endurance or speed | Can go several days without drinking in dry country | Can reach a top speed of around 65 km/h |
| Population | Only a few thousand animals in the wild | About 500,000, down about 25 percent in recent decades |
| Conservation status | Endangered, with a decreasing population | Near Threatened, with a decreasing population |
Grevy's Zebra vs Plains Zebra: common questions
How can you tell Grevy's zebra from the plains zebra?
Grevy's zebra has fine, narrow stripes, a white belly, and big rounded ears, while the plains zebra has broader stripes.
Which zebra is endangered?
Grevy's zebra, which is Endangered with only a few thousand left, while the plains zebra is Near Threatened.
Where do Grevy's and plains zebras live?
Grevy's zebra lives in northern Kenya and Ethiopia, while the plains zebra lives across the savannas of eastern and southern Africa.