Description:
Grevy’s zebra is a striking and endangered species of zebra native to the semi-arid grasslands of Kenya and Ethiopia. Known for its unique, narrow black-and-white stripes that extend down to its white belly, the Grevy’s zebra is the largest and most distinct of the zebra species. They have large, rounded ears and a prominent, erect mane. Unlike other zebras, Grevy’s zebras have a social structure that revolves around territorial males and migratory groups of females and young. These zebras are well adapted to arid environments, capable of surviving without water for several days.
A Grevy's Zebra
Key facts
Population:
In the 1970s the Grevy’s zebra population was around 15,000. In the last 10 years the population has been stable.
Diet:
Habitat:
Grevy’s Zebras inhabit semi-arid grassland, shrubland and savannah habitats.
Range:
Grevy’s zebras are found only in the Horn of Africa, primarily southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya, with the majority of the population in Kenya.
© Suzi Eszterhas
Grevy's zebra ©Nelson Guda
Two Grevy's Zebra in the wild
Threats
Grevy’s zebra have undergone one of the most substantial reductions in range of any African mammal, which has also led to them competing with other wildlife and domestic livestock for water and pasture. In parts of Africa hunting has also been a main cause of decline.
Conservation
Tusk partners with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, which is home to 11% of the world’s Grevy’s zebra, and also supports the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) works closely with communities to combat threats from habitat degradation, lack of dry season water access, and hunting by nomadic pastoralists.
Learn more about the projects
Grevy’s zebra have undergone one of the most substantial reductions in range of any African mammal, which has also led to them competing with other wildlife and domestic livestock for water and pasture. In parts of Africa hunting has also been a main cause of decline.
Conservation
Tusk partners with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, which is home to 11% of the world’s Grevy’s zebra, and also supports the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) works closely with communities to combat threats from habitat degradation, lack of dry season water access, and hunting by nomadic pastoralists.