Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) is the largest living wild equid, recognizable by itsvery narrow stripes, white belly and large rounded ears. Once widespread across the Horn of Africa, it is now restricted mainly to northern Kenya and parts of southern Ethiopia. IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Ecology & Behaviour
Adapted to arid and semi‑arid rangelands; travels long distances to track water and green flush. Social organization ismale territorial, with females and foals moving among territories. Primarily a grazer but browses shrubs in drought.
Reproduction & Longevity
Gestation ~13 months, single foal; postpartum estrus within 1–2 weeks. Wild lifespan commonly 12–18 years, longer in managed care.
Threats & Conservation
Habitat degradation & competition from heavy livestock grazing and infrastructure near scarce water points.
Drought & climate variability reducing juvenile survival and body condition.
Hunting/harassment historically for skins; human–wildlife conflict persists locally.
Community conservancies and protected areas in Kenya and Ethiopia manage water, grazing coexistence, patrols and monitoring. Key sites include Lewa and the Samburu–Buffalo Springs–Shaba complex.
