African savannas and grasslands manage to support dozens of grazing herbivores, and huge monsters such as rhino and elephant manage to live mostly in peace with impala and wildebeest. But studies of zebra habits show that without them there would be no such balance. Apart from the distinct black and white stripes, these horses bear a clear resemblance to wild horses in terms of temperament, appearance and diet. And, like horses, they feed mostly on grass. But what makes them different from their grass-eating cousins is that they prefer long rather than short grass. As a result, zebras have few competitors in food, even if they spend up to 18 hours a day feeding.
This is a stark contrast to captive zebras, which only eat once a day, but savanna zebras have actually adapted to prefer low nutritional grasses. Many species of zebras live in arid environments where there is little rainfall and the stomachs of zebras have adapted to digest coarser, fibrous plant matter and turn it into fuel more efficiently. This type of grass is indigestible for many other animals in the savannah, but zebras do not digest shorter grasses, which contain more nutrients and more protein, which are preferred by other herbivores. But because there is little competition for preferred food sources, and these taller grasses are better suited to drought, zebras are designed to survive in a wider range of environments and in more difficult circumstances than other grazing pastures.
But tough times can also require a change in appetite. Although 90% of a zebra’s diet will consist of various types of grass in the savannah, they are also known to eat shrubs, twigs, and even small trees. When circumstances get particularly dire, zebras can be seen peeling the bark from trees for food. Zebra teeth have adapted to their environment in the same way as their stomachs. Sharp incisors cut through rough grass and shoots, which then grind down the heavy molars. To adapt to chewing, a zebra’s teeth will grow throughout its life. The zebra’s miraculous physiology ensures that food is usually readily available, but the real threat in the wild is finding water. Although zebras can survive up to three days without hydration, they need regular access to water to thrive. This is not always easy in the arid meadows that zebras often call their home.
The diet of zebras in the wild includes:
- Tall herbs (90% of their diet)
- Shrubs
- Small trees
- Shoots
- Saplings
- Barking
- Herbs
How do zebras get food?
There are three different types of zebras, and each has developed unique feeding habits for their circumstances. In turn, this behavior also has a critical impact on the larger ecosystem. The common zebra is the most widespread and most widespread species. Their habitat extends over much of southern and eastern Africa, and they make the most of this space. Plains zebras congregate in migratory harems and are nomadic, following water sources and rain clouds. These journeys often take them outside the meadows into woodland and mountainous areas, and the environment benefits from their wide range of wanderings. They are often called “pioneers” because they clear tall grass for other herbivores with more tender stomachs.
Mountain zebras have a very different tactic than staying hydrated. They inhabit the rocky hills and mountains of Angola, and their environment forces them to form smaller family groups than their lowland cousins. It also forces them to be a little more creative with their feeding habits. These horses will roam the branches and other parts of the tree as needed and dig for water in rocky terrain with their hooves. Mountain zebras also migrate, although their migration path is much shorter than that of plain zebras.
Grevy’s zebra is the most endangered species, and they differ from the other two in that they do not gather together in structured harems. Instead, these zebras gather in formal flocks due to the need for shared resources, but lack the social complexities inherent in other herds of zebras. These loners do not migrate either. Instead, they will create a semi-permanent area with a nearby water source.
What animals do zebras eat?
A large migration of zebras is a necessity for seasonal survival, but it is what drives these horses to cover 300 miles of territory. This journey makes them vulnerable to countless predators. Big cats are one of the most formidable threats. Leopards and cheetahs are known to separate and incapacitate old, young or weak zebras, but cheetahs and lions can slay one or more adult zebras when they coordinate in prides. Hyenas gather in flocks up to 20 to shoot down adult zebras. Even water is dangerous for zebras. According to their migration patterns, they follow rain clouds and moving water, but getting too close to them often means being within the reach of Nile crocodiles. They love to wait in ambush and attack when zebras dare to approach to feed or wade a river or stream.
Next: What do tree frogs eat?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do zebras eat meat?
Zebras are strict herbivores. They have powerful teeth and jaws designed for chopping up rough plants, but their teeth will be extremely ineffective at killing prey or tearing open fresh meat. And the unique stomachs that enable zebras to digest high amounts of low-nutrient grass are simply not designed for meat processing.
Do zebras love fruits?
While zebras can occasionally snack on fallen fruit, it’s not enough to be considered part of their regular diet. In captivity, zebras are sometimes treated to fruits such as apples.
What grass do zebras eat?
Zebra generally prefers long, coarse grass that is high in fiber and low in protein and nutrients. Bermuda and red oat grass are two particularly popular options for the plain zebra.
What do zebras eat in the wild?
The vast majority of a zebra’s diet consists of grass. They supplement this with shrubs, herbs, roots, and other vegetarian food sources. Some zebra species will rely on viewing when grazing options are not available.