International Zebra Day

Let Zebras continue to Dazzle

Every English-learning kid knows what Z stands for. Most often, the answer is Zebra. The Zebras’ conspicuous stripes make them among the most recognisable mammals. Zebras have been popular with photographers, with some wildlife photographers describing them as the most photogenic animal. Disturbing any species’ natural habitat leads to their slipping into extinction. The vulnerability is increasing due to environmental degradation and human population growth. Zebras are no exception to the same. Poaching for their skin has accelerated the decline in recent times. International Zebra Day is observed every year on January 31, focusing on the conservation of Zebra. Africa is the home for the majority of the zebra population. The reason for zebra stripes is one of the debated topics. Just as no two people have the same fingerprint, each Zebra has its marking. Zebras are herbivores. Zebras inhabit herds called as a “dazzle”. You cannot miss thinking about Zebra crossing if you are a traveller. A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing marked with white stripes (zebra markings). The UK had the first Zebra crossing way back in 1951. Let this beautiful animal survive and continue to make us feel good seeing them galloping at high speeds. Let Zebras continue to Dazzle. 

Every English-learning kid knows what Z stands for. Most often, the answer is “Zebra”, with “Zoo” coming closer second to it. The Zebras’ conspicuous stripes make them among the most recognisable mammals. They have beauty and grace, some describing them as “the most elegant of quadrupeds”. Zebras have been popular with photographers, with some wildlife photographers describing them as the most photogenic animal. Disturbing any species’ natural habitat leads to their slipping into extinction. The vulnerability is increasing due to environmental degradation and human population growth. Zebras are no exception to the same. Poaching for their skin has accelerated the decline in recent times. International Zebra Day is observed every year on January 31, focusing on the conservation of Zebra. Though it is unclear what the origin of the observation of International Zebra Day is, it is attributed to the initiative of the conservation organisations.   

Africa is the home for the majority of the Zebra population. Kenya, Ethiopia and the hilly areas of Namibia, Angola and South Africa are home to them. Three Zebra species live in the wild: Grevy’s Zebra, Plains Zebra and Mountain Zebra. The critically endangered amongst them is Grevy’s Zebra. The African Wildlife Foundation estimates that there has been a decline in the Zebra population to more than 50% in the last three decades.  

Zebras belong to the family Equidae, which also includes horses and asses. A typical zebra has 80 stripes. Just as no two people have the same fingerprint, each Zebra has its marking. The stripe pattern is unique to a particular animal.  Zebras are herbivores. They have strong teeth and special digestive systems, which can break down highly fibrous plants, twigs and even bark. Zebras inhabit herds called a “dazzle”. Zebras dazzle (literally) in various habitats, including savannahs, grasslands and woodlands. They also travel long distances in search of food and water. Zebras rely on speed, agility, and stamina to help them outrun predators. Capable of reaching speeds up to 70 km/hour. One trick they use is to run in a zigzag direction to confuse other animals. They are not domesticated animals. They are preyed on mainly by lions. Nile crocodiles also prey on zebras when they near water. Biting and kicking are Zebras’ defence tactics.      

The reason for Zebra stripes is one of the debated topics. Of the many arguments, some research indicated that these stripes stop flies from landing on the creatures. In one of the experiments, the researchers found that fewer horseflies landed on zebra-patterned coats placed on the horses. The stripes might have a role in communication or controlling the animal’s temperature. A research work published in Nature – said the black and white patterns dazzled and confused predators, especially when zebras move as a herd.

You cannot miss thinking about Zebra crossing if you are a traveller. A Zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing marked with white stripes (Zebra markings). The UK had the first Zebra crossing way back in  1951. It is to enhance pedestrian safety at new and already existing crossing points. Since then, Zebra markings have been used at crossing points internationally to denote pedestrian crossings.  

Since their natural habitat is in Africa, many must be satisfied seeing Zebras dazzling on TV channels like National Geographic. Humans think that they have the right to use the earth’s resources. Mindless growth and excess utilising of resources have started threatening the very planet. Species like Zebra are no exception to facing these challenges to survive. Let this beautiful animal survive and continue to make us feel good seeing them galloping at high speeds. Let Zebras continue to Dazzle.  

Toon: Shreya
Logs: M. Sai Baba
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