Information is taken from the game and may change or differ over time. Last updated .
Unlocked at Accreditation Tier 1
Statistics
The plains zebra (or Equus quagga) is native to Eastern and Southern Africa, preferring to live in easy reach of water sources on the savannah.
The species is divided into six subspecies, separated due to different features, usually varying strip patterns, and lack of interbreeding between groups. Plains zebra have the black and white stripes famous of all zebra, but are smaller than Grévy's zebra and larger than mountain zebra.
Males and females can both be 1.10m to 1.45m in height, and between 2.17m and 2.46m in length, although males are generally 10% larger than females. Males are also heavier at 220kg to 320kg, compared to females at 175kg to 250kg.
- Zebra recognise each other by their different stripe patterns.
- Zebra sleep standing up and take 'watches' during sleep to look out for predators.
- The reason for a zebra's stripes is still debated; it may be for camouflage in grass and shade (especially for foals), for motion camouflage to confuse predators when the herd runs, as a deterrent to parasites, or for social recognition.
- Zebra females in a harem are aggressive towards new females, who must be protected by the stallion until tension subsides.
- Zebra herds move to follow the rain and may migrate up to 1600 kilometres to remain close to food and water.
Habitat
Minimum habitat requirements
Planned population
Space
Barrier
Terrain
Environment
Preferred group ranges
Social
Plains zebra live in cohesive herds in the wild, which can be composed of several harems that consist of one stallion, several females and their young offspring. Young males that have not yet gained their own harem live in 'bachelor herds'. Females within a harem have a hierarchy depending on how long they have been with the stallion; the female that joined the stallion first is the alpha female.
Barrel Feeder - Hanging
Barrel Feeder - Large
Grazing Ball Feeder
Hanging Grazer Feeder
Melon Feeder
Scarecrow Feeder
Curio Ball
Grab Ball
Herb Scent Marker
Large Ball
Mud Bath
Plant Screen
Rubber Chicken
Rubbing PillarThriving relationships
12i
Neutral relationships
1i
Release
Release requirements
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Harem Group
Stallion Group
Conservation
Plains zebras’ conservation status is Near Threatened, as they face habitat fragmentation and competition over grazing resources with livestock due to urban and agricultural expansion. In some regions, poaching for zebra skins and meat poses an additional threat. Although plains zebras are more adaptable and widespread than other zebra species, localised population declines have been a consequence of these pressures; one subspecies of plains zebra (the quagga) was hunted to extinction in 1878.
Conservationists focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable land-use planning. Many zebras live within National Parks where they are protected, though they are a far-ranging species and may leave protected areas during migrations. Translocation and reintroduction programmes have successfully bolstered populations with previous decline, and community initiatives help manage livestock grazing competition. Organisations like IUCN and WWF support conservation efforts with research, funding, and guidance to ensure the long-term survival of wild plains zebras.
Research
| Level | Unlocks | Bonus | Research gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thriving Requirement 1: Coarse Sand terrain | ||
| 2 | Plains Zebra Fact Sheet | ||
| 3 | Thriving Requirement 2: Water Surface Area | ||
| 4 | Thriving Requirement 3: Food Grade 2; Fertility Level 1 | Fertility (+15%) | Before this level: an Observation Network (Observation Platform) in Great Rift Valley Reserve and this species released in Great Rift Valley Reserve |
| 5 | Thriving Requirement 4: at least 15 objects or plants with the Grass tag | ||
| 6 | Thriving Requirement 5: African Savannah Social Group; Fertility Level 2 | Fertility (+30%) |
Conservation topics
Life
Reproduction
Lifecycle
Body
1.2 m
1.2 mBreeding
Male zebra 'acquire' a young female by approaching her while in her family herd when she first reaches sexual maturity. He must challenge, fight and subdue her father to 'win' the female, who will then join him. Other males may also attempt to steal her. The stallion that first mates with the female is the one she will remain with.
Female zebra are pregnant for 12 to 14 months and give birth to one foal.
Female foals remain with their natal herd until they join an unrelated male, whereas male foals leave their mother when she has another foal to join a bachelor herd of other young males.