Zebra

The plains zebra is the most common and widespread zebra, grazing in tight herds across East African grassland. Every individual's stripe pattern is unique — like a fingerprint — and foals imprint on their mother's pattern within days of birth.

Zebras are constantly alert: heads up, ears swivelling, ready to bolt at the first lion sighting. Their stripes may help confuse predators during a chase, regulate body temperature, or repel biting flies — scientists still debate the exact reason.

Open grassland and savanna in Kenya, Tanzania, and much of eastern and southern Africa suit plains zebras. They often graze alongside wildebeest and gazelles, and gather at waterholes where predators wait.