Zebras are among the most beautiful and iconic animals in Africa, instantly recognizable by their distinctive black and white stripes, which are unique to each individual. These stripes serve various functions, including camouflage, temperature regulation, and protection against biting insects. Zebras typically stand about 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) tall at the shoulder. In Kenya, the most common zebra species are the Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), which includes subspecies like Grant’s Zebra, and the more endangered Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi).
Zebras are highly social animals that gather in herds for protection against predators. They thrive in open grasslands and woodlands in areas such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park. As grazers, they primarily feed on grasses, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by helping to prevent overgrazing.
Like wildebeests, zebras are key participants in the Great Migration, making seasonal movements between Kenya and Tanzania in search of fresh grazing and water. During this migration, they face threats from predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles, particularly during the perilous river crossings at the Mara River. Despite these dangers, the zebras’ resilience and role in one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles highlight their importance in the African landscape.
斑马是非洲最美丽、最具象征意义的动物之一。 它们每个都有独一无二的的黑白条纹外装。 这些条纹有多种用途，可以用做伪装、温度调节和阻止昆虫叮咬。它们站立时肩高约 1.2 至 1.5 米（4 至 5 英尺）。 在肯尼亚，最常见的斑马是平原斑马 (Equus quagga)，它又分为多个亚种，如格兰特斑马和细纹斑马 (Equus grevyi)。
斑马是群居动物，经常聚集成群来抵御掠猎者。 它们栖息在开阔的草原和林地，在肯尼亚的各个地区，包括马赛马拉、安博塞利国家公园和察沃国家公园随处可见。 它们主要吃草，它们的存在可以防止某些地区的过度放牧，从而有助于维持生态系统的平衡。
与角马类似，斑马也是大迁徙的一部分。大迁徙是动物为寻找新鲜的牧草和水源在肯尼亚和坦桑尼亚之间的季节性迁徙。 斑马面临的威胁是狮子、鬣狗、豹子和鳄鱼等掠食者，尤其是在大迁徙期间穿越马拉河时。
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