GREVY'S ZEBRA (IMPERIAL ZEBRA) Equus grevyi MAMMAL Order Perissodactyla Description 6-9 ft long, tail 2 ft; 600-800 lbs. Narrow, black and white stripes curve upward on haunches; belly white. Mane prominent and erect. Long, narrow head and prominent, broad ears. Named for Jules Grevy, President of France, who was given a gift of these zebras by the King of Ethiopia. Range Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya. Status This species is listed as threatened and trade of this species is prohibited by international law. Primary cause of population decline is hunting. Lincoln park Zoo is a member of the Grevy's zebra Species Survival Plan group.

Ecology Habitat sub-desert, plains and arid, bushy grassland   Niche herbivorous nomadic grazer: feeds primarily on coarse grasses and sedges, but will eat bark, leaves, buds, fruits and roots. Primary predator is the African lion. Herds are not fixed, but rather temporary associations of one or both sexes. Most adult males live alone in large territories marked by dung. Lactating females stay near water-infant assemblages- in groups varying in cohesiveness and stability.   Life History Gestation 12.5-13 mo; single births usually coincide with new grass growth after rains. Young are usually produced every 2 yrs. Within an hour after birth, young are up and about; young nurse 8- 13 mo. Females leave mother after 2 yrs, males after 4 yrs. Special Adaptations Stripes serve as a disruptive pattern when herd runs to escape a predator, but may also serve as social signals; individuals differ from one another in stripe pattern. Long legs and hooves help animal to run fast. Large eyes set far back on the head give a wide field of view. Large ears can rotate to pick up sounds from many directions.