REPRODUCTION OF A ZEBRA 9B

Introduction  Zebras live in south eastern Africa  Their scientific name is equus Zebra  Main diet is grass, bark, leaves, buds, fruit and roots  Life span is 28 years  Zebras start breeding at three years of age

The Harem and Mating Rituals  Definition of harem: when one male is in charge of a group of females  Stallion (male zebra) will follow female zebra group and protect them  Soon after that stallion will nibble at the female’s neck and shoulders and then he covers her urine with his urine

Method Of Fertilization  A zebra’s method of fertilization is internal.  The mare mounts the female zebra and the female carries the foal for twelve months.

Pregnancy  A female zebra can give birth to one offspring at a time.  Zebras are typically regarded as slow breeders.

Parental Care  The female zebra will nurse the foal for twelve months.  Right after birth the foal can stand, walk, and suckle.  The mare will not let anything near the foal and female zebra.

Quick Facts  In the act of defence a zebra will kick at a predator such as a hyena, cheetah, or lion.  The Romans named the Grevy’s Zebra hippotigris because they were trained to pull two wheeled carts and act in the circus.

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