As of 2020, what’s the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s status for Grevy’s zebra?

Of the three different species of zebras, the Grevy’s zebra is the largest living wild equid and the largest of the three. it also is known as the imperial zebra. The other two species are called the plains zebra and the mountain zebra. Grevy’s zebra is named after Francois Paul Jules Grevy (1807-1891) who was the President of France from 1879 to 1887.

A few distinguishing characteristics of the Grevy’s zebra compared to the other two species are its large ears, height and stripes that are narrower. Their appearance is mule-like with a large, long and narrow head with elonagated nostril openings.

According to the International Union of Conservation of Nature, the Grevy’s zebra status is classified as endangered. Its population declined significantly from 15,000 to 3,000 in the 1970s however it is reported that as of 2008, the population is stable. The animal lives in semi-arid grasslands feeding on grasses and legumes.

Today, the zebra’s habitat is in northern Kenya with some isolated populations in Ethiopia.

The normal gestation period lasts 390 days with a single foal being born. A newborn zebra will follow anything that moves, so new mothers prevent other mares from approaching their foal while imprinting their own striping pattern, scent and vocalizations on them.