Grevy's Zebra

Evolution: The modern Grévy’s zebra is believed to have arisen in the Middle Pleistocene1. Fossils of zebra-like equids have been found throughout Africa and Asia in Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits, suggesting a wide historical range of ancestral forms of Grévy’s zebra

Subspecies: Currently, no subspecies of the Grévy’s zebra has been defined. It is considered a unique species within the genus Equus.

Existence Time: Grévy’s zebra has been in existence since the Middle Pleistocene, which dates back to around 780,000 years ago1. This timeline is based on the fossil record and genetic studies.

 Closest Living Relative: Recent phylogenetic studies have placed Grévy’s zebra in a sister taxon with the plains zebra (Equus quagga), making it the closest living relative. In areas where Grévy’s zebras are sympatric with plains zebras, the two may gather in the same herds, and fertile hybrids do occur.

Day 2

Description of Habitat: 

Rainfall: Typically, the regions where Grevy's zebras live receive between 350 to 600 millimeters (14 to 24 inches) of rainfall annually. The distribution of rainfall is highly variable, with long dry seasons punctuated by short, intense rainy periods.

Plants: Grevy's zebras primarily inhabit areas with grasses, which are their main source of food. They prefer tall grasses but will also graze on shorter grasses during drier seasons. They may also browse on shrubs and trees when grasses are scarce. Key plant species include: Red oat grass , Bermuda grass, and various species of Aristida and Eragrostis. As well as Acacia species, Commiphora species, and other drought-resistant shrubs.

Animals: Grevy's zebras share their habitat with various other herbivores and predators, forming a diverse ecological community. Important animal species in their ecosystem include:  Beisa oryx, Grant’s gazelle, Lions, hyenas, leopards and cheetahs.

Temperature: The temperature in their habitat can be quite extreme, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. In some areas, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) during the hottest parts of the year.

Terrain: Grevy's zebras favor semi-arid and arid grasslands and savannas. This is because they generally prefer open landscapes that offer good visibility to spot predators from a distance. Also the terrain often features scattered trees and shrubs, interspersed with large patches of grassland. Lastly while they can survive with limited water, they need access to water holes or rivers, particularly during the dry season.m

Distribution:

Continents found on: Grevy's zebras are found exclusively on the continent of Africa. Specifically, their current range is limited to certain regions within Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Historically, their range was more extensive, but habitat loss and other factors have restricted them to these areas.

Invasive?: No, Grevy's zebras are not considered invasive. They are native to Africa, specifically Ethiopia and northern Kenya. An invasive species is typically one that has been introduced to a new environment where it is not native and where it causes harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health. Grevy's zebras are indigenous to their current range and play a natural role in their ecosystem. Their populations are actually threatened, primarily due to habitat loss, competition with livestock, and hunting, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

Diet: 

What does it eat?:   Grevy's zebras primarily eat grasses, which make up the bulk of their diet. They prefer tall, coarse grasses but will also consume shorter grasses when taller ones are not available. They also browse on shrubs, leaves, and bark, particularly during dry seasons when grass is scarce. They may eat plants like Acacia and Commiphora species.

How often does it eat?: Grevy's zebras are grazers and typically spend a significant portion of their day feeding, often up to 60-80% of their waking hours. They graze intermittently throughout the day and night, with peak feeding times during the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

How does it get its food: Grevy's zebras graze by moving slowly across the grasslands, using their strong teeth to clip grasses close to the ground. They tend to feed in areas where vegetation is most abundant and of suitable quality.Access to water is crucial, especially during dry periods. They need to drink water frequently, often daily, and their movements are influenced by the availability of water sources.

Any special food?: Grevy's zebras do not have special dietary needs beyond their requirement for grasses and occasional browsing. However, the quality and quantity of available forage can impact their nutrition and health.

Day 4

Causes of death:

Predation: Lions , hyenas, and occasionally leopards and cheetahs are predators for Grevy's zebras. Foals and young zebras are most vulnerable to predation. Adult zebras, while less frequently preyed upon, can still fall victim, particularly if they are sick or injured. Grevy's zebras rely on their keen senses, speed, and group vigilance to detect and evade predators. They may also use powerful kicks to defend themselves.

Sexual Diseases: Equine herpesvirus and equine viral arteritis are known to affect zebras, potentially causing reproductive issues and contributing to mortality.

• Other Diseases like:

• Trypanosomiasis(Also known as sleeping sickness transmitted by tsetse flies) can be fatal if untreated.

• Anthrax: Bacterial infection that can cause sudden death.

•  Equine Influenza**: Can cause severe respiratory illness.

These Diseases can lead to weakened immune systems, reduced reproductive success, and increased mortality.

Other causes: 

• Drought, habitat degradation, and competition with livestock for grazing can lead to insufficient food resources. Resulting in Poor nutrition weakens zebras, making them more susceptible to diseases and predation.

• Hunting and Poaching: Grevy's zebras are hunted for their skins and meat, despite legal protections in some areas.

• Habitat Loss: Agricultural expansion, settlement development, and fencing reduce available habitat and resources.

• Road Accidents: Collisions with vehicles can cause injuries and fatalities.

• Territorial Fights: Males engage in fierce battles for territory, which can result in serious injuries or death.

• Resource Competition: Within herds, competition for limited resources can lead to weaker individuals being outcompeted and eventually succumbing to starvation or predation.

• Extreme Weather: Severe weather events can cause direct harm or reduce the availability of food and water.

Competition:

Inter-species- within the species: Males Compete for territories which are essential for mating opportunities. Territorial fights can be intense and sometimes result in serious injury or even death.Females Compete for access to the best grazing areas within and between territories to support themselves and their offspring. Zebras within the same group or overlapping territories will compete for limited water sources and high-quality grazing areas.

Intra-species-with other species: Domestic cattle, goats, and sheep often compete with Grevy's zebras for grazing land and water sources, particularly in areas where pastoralism is common. Species such as Beisa oryx, Grant’s gazelle, and other ungulates also compete for the same grasslands and water.

what do they compete over:  They compete for because Quality and quantity of grass are crucial for nutrition. Grevy's zebras prefer tall grasses but will graze on whatever is available during scarce periods.Access to water is vital, especially in arid environments. Zebras often have to travel significant distances to find water during dry seasons. Males compete for territories to attract females, while females compete for the best areas to raise their young.

Affect of invasive species: Invasive plant species can alter the composition of the grasslands, reducing the availability of native grasses that Grevy's zebras prefer. This can lead to reduced food quality and availability. While there are no major invasive predator species reported to impact Grevy's zebras directly, the introduction of non-native herbivores could increase competition for resources. Domestic livestock, though not invasive in the traditional sense, act as competitive invaders when introduced into zebra habitats. They often degrade the land and consume large amounts of forage and water, leaving less for native wildlife.

IUCN Rating:

What is the rating: The Grevy's zebra  is classified as *Endangered*on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Population: The estimated population of Grevy's zebras is approximately 2,000 to 2,500 individuals in the wild.

Population Trend: The population trend for Grevy's zebras is currently *stable* but at a low number. However, the population remains highly vulnerable due to threats such as habitat loss, competition with livestock, and poaching.

Impact of humans:

What impacts have occured:

• Agricultural Expansion: Conversion of land for farming has reduced the available habitat for Grevy's zebras.

• Urbanization and Settlement Development: Increasing human settlements lead to habitat fragmentation and reduced access to grazing areas.

• Infrastructure Development: Roads, fences, and other infrastructure disrupt migration routes and limit access to water and grazing resources.

• Overgrazing: Domestic livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep compete with Grevy's zebras for grazing land, leading to overgrazing and land degradation.

• Water Scarcity: Livestock also compete with zebras for water resources, especially during dry seasons.

• Poaching: Illegal hunting for skins and meat continues to threaten Grevy's zebras, despite legal protections.

• Subsistence and Traditional Hunting: Zebras are hunted for cultural reasons and subsistence in some regions.

• Retaliatory Killings: Zebras may be killed by local farmers if they compete with livestock or damage crops.

Potential impacts: 

• Increased Droughts: More frequent and severe droughts could exacerbate water and food scarcity, increasing competition with livestock and reducing zebra populations.

• Habitat Shifts: Changes in vegetation patterns could further reduce suitable habitats for Grevy's zebras.

how long have humans been interacting with this species: Humans have been interacting with Grevy's zebras for thousands of years, with early human activities including hunting and habitat alteration.In the past century, interactions have intensified due to population growth, agricultural expansion, and development, leading to significant impacts on zebra populations and habitats.

efforts being made to minimize impacts:

• National Parks and Reserves: Establishing and maintaining protected areas help conserve critical habitats and provide safe environments for Grevy's zebras.

• Engagement with Local Communities**: Involving local communities in conservation efforts promotes sustainable practices and reduces human-wildlife conflict.

•  Education and Awareness Programs**: Raising awareness about the importance of Grevy's zebras and promoting coexistence strategies.

•  Law Enforcement: Strengthening anti-poaching laws and enforcement to protect zebras from illegal hunting.

•  Monitoring and Patrolling : Increased surveillance and patrolling in key habitats to deter poaching activities.

• Grazing Management: Implementing sustainable grazing practices to reduce competition between livestock and zebras.

•  Water Management: Developing water sources and management strategies to ensure adequate access for both livestock and wildlife.

• Population and Health Monitoring**: Ongoing research to monitor zebra populations, health, and habitat conditions to inform conservation strategies.

• Habitat Restoration: Efforts to restore degraded habitats and improve the quality of grazing areas.