H3_W4_005

Date: 2015

Location: Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Did you know?

Zebras inhabit eastern and southern Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats such as savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, and mountainous areas. Zebras are primarily grazers and can subsist on lower-quality vegetation. Plains zebras, especially, are a highly social species, forming harems with a single stallion, several mares, and their recent offspring. A stallion defends his harem from other males. When challenged, the stallion issues a warning to the invader by rubbing his nose or shoulder with him. If the warning is not heeded, a fight breaks out. Zebra fights often become very violent, with the animals biting at each other's necks, heads, or legs, wrestling to the ground, and occasionally kicking.

About the picture

This photograph was taken in 2015 at Amboseli National Park. During the breeding season, male Zebras fight each other to establish dominance. They do this by standing on their hind legs and biting, headbutting, or grabbing their opponent. They may also turn around and kick. It was during one such bout that I was able to click this photo.

Fun Fact

The plains zebra is the national animal of the Republic of Botswana and its stripes are depicted on the country's flag.