Zebras Are African Equines With Distinctive Black-and-white Striped Coats.ZOO Stock Photo

Zebras are African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There are three extant species; the Grévy`s zebra Their stripes come in different patterns unique to each individual. Several theories have been proposed for the function of zebra stripes with most evidence supporting them as a form of protection from biting flies. Zebras share the genus Equus with horses and asses and together they are the only living members of the family Equidae. Zebras belong to the subgenus Hippotigris. The three species inhabit eastern and southern Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats such as savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands and mountainous areas.