do zebras eat grass

Zebras do eat lots of grass, but they need nutritionally poor grass that should be low in sugar. One unusual thing about baby zebras is that they have to eat adult zebra dung because it contains bacteria that they need to help them digest grass. Themeda triandra, Cymbopogon plurinodis and Setaria neglecta are a few varieties they prefer. They prefer short, creeping grass and small green shoots and reeds. Although the color does not blend in with the surrounding grass, to color blind predators like lions, zebras merge perfectly with the scenery, especially when it is not moving. In addition to grass, animals can eat bark and leaves. For instance, plains zebras and Grevy's zebras both eat grass, but a third of those grasses are different. In fact, 90% of their diet consists of grass. Zebra Grass vs. Porcupine Grass Zebra grass is similar to porcupine grass ( Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'), another popular tall ornamental grass. Zebra grass is a favorite among the ornamental grasses and with good reason. Zebras eat grass because they are herbivores and its good for them. They often migrate as a team, too, like in the annual great wildebeest migration. It forms about 92% of their overall diets. Mountain zebras consist of two subspecies, both of whom share these grass feeding patterns. Zebras have single-chambered stomachs, which use a process called hindgut fermentation. If your grass is plentiful and in good condition, you can just let them graze. Enter your email for your weekly dose of ‘wild Africa’ directly to your inbox. In these dry periods, they will migrate or follow the rains. Zebras prefer full green grass that is short and near the ground.The common Zebra is called “Equus burchelli” and can also eat dry and rough grass like red oat grass. Zebras eat neither mice nor rats. Zebras are in the same family as horses, and you can feed them the same types of food. Learn how your comment data is processed. As an important source of fiber and nutrients, found throughout their habitats, it provides great levels of energy and sustenance.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'africafreak_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',145,'0','0'])); It doesn’t only fuel their lifestyle out in the plains of Africa. As well as being subjects for painting, and even used as a symbol of peace. A zebra would much rather eat moist, healthy, thick grass. However, these mammals couldn’t imagine life without it. It would also mean less zebra poop. While their back teeth do all the grinding and chomping. Zebra grass is one of the deer-resistant ornamental grasses, so you do not have to worry about deer pests coming in and eating it. These relatively social creatures are particularly fond of Themeda triandra grass, but also frequently dine on Heteropogon contortus, Cymbopogon plurinodis, Enneapogon scoparius and Setaria neglecta grasses. Because there’s no green grass available! Kindergarten Leveled Reader: Zebras can eat grass. They’ve probably spent centuries trying to outrun lions and they know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of predation. They do not eat any meat. Their digestive system and metabolism are such that they can thrive on a low-nutrition diet. A zebra usually feeds on tall grass that is found in wetlands. We're all about safari and celebrating wild Africa. Zebras are basically herbivores. Baby zebras are known as foals. Zebras eat very coarse grass, as they have bacterial enzymes in their stomachs that help break down an abundance of plant material. These hoofed creatures reside in savanna, plains and grassland areas all over Africa. Since they have very tough teeth, zebras can tear blades of grass easily, which is too tough for other animals to do. These zebras primarily feed on shoots and leaves from time to time. Facts About Zebras. Other Facts about Diet When leaves and twigs get exhausted, they will dig up roots using their hooves. They eat red grass, Bermuda grass that they find … Without these animals eating the grass, there would be so much more for other herbivores. The have a digestive system and metabolism that can thrive on a low-nutrition diet. Short, green grass is their grass type of choice. Part of their evolution has allowed these animals to stand up grazing, which is perfect for a quick escape. What do Zebras eat? So now you know what zebras eat! That’s more than double than what an average human would drink throughout the entire day. Your email address will not be published. If they spot one, they alert the rest with a high pitched bray. Their strong teeth allow them to cut through grass blades with ease. You might find a herd of zebras integrated with buffalo, wildebeest, and antelope. Nevertheless, they can subsist on lower-quality vegetation. Zebras are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. What sound does a zebra make? Given that lions and cheetahs find these animals particularly delicious, zebras have to constantly be on the lookout. Herbivores are animals that only eat plants and nothing else like meat. Zebras are native to southern and central Africa. Zebras are known for spending 18 hours a day eating. Or are zebras omnivores? Common zebras also frequently eat grasses such as Cenchrus ciliaris, Eragrustis superba and Cynodon dactylon. Grass is the main part of their diet, but they also like to eat shrubs, herbs, twigs, leaves and bark. During the summer months Cape mountain zebras, found only in South Africa, regularly visit mineral licks. Nevertheless, they can subsist on lower-quality vegetation. Rather, it’s dried, low-nutrient plants on the menu. Zebras have a fairly simple structure of the stomach and they do not chew food repeatedly. Baby zebras are known as foals. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Eating in a herd is a huge part of their success. Grass makes up 90% of their diets. The vertical stripe pattern resembles tall grass. Zebras are equids – members of the horse family (Equidae) and are medium sized, odd-toed ungulates. Compared to ruminants, zebras have a simpler and less efficient digestive system. Zebras in zoos are fed hay, oats, and alfalfa, much like horses. They’re often spotted near fellow herbivores like giraffes, rhinos, impala, and warthogs. Being herbivores means that they only eat plants – grass in particular. This could lead to less competition for food and habitat, and other species becoming too populous. They form a large part of many African cultures’ designs, as well as traditional stories, told around the fire. Be Her Village. However they much prefer grass, every dry grass, grass stems, and sheath. Their diet is based on grass growing in the African savannah. They prefer shorter grass varieties but in extremely tough times they will munch on taller grass varieties such as elephant grass. This is because they have similar diets and eating patterns. This greenish-blue tufted grass often can exceed 3 feet in growth. These funky mammals with intricate stripes and patterns are pretty spectacular. The zebra is an African equine that is known the world over for its memorable black- and white-striped pattern. The same goes for lions. Zoo food is completely different from what zebras eat in the wild. It stands tall (with an arching form) as a green sentinel in your landscape all summer, then it puts out tiny white blooms, followed by a seed head plumes that offers late-season visual interest. These pellets contain added nutrients and supplements to keep them healthy. Poop which nourishes the soil and allows for more grass to grow. Other types of zebra foods include fruit, buds, roots, herbs, shoots and shrubs. Zebras are basically herbivores. This process of fermentation involves beneficial bacteria breaking down the fibrous plant matter. Grass is the main part of their diet, but they also like to eat shrubs, herbs, twigs, leaves and bark. Although, that’s not to say that they won’t find alternatives to grass if conditions are unfavorable. Red grass is one of the dominating grasses on the savanna plains. Empower Her. Rabbits and rhinos are two other species in Africa that utilize this fermentation process. Bermuda grass is commonly found along the river beds – a tasty treat, too. The mountain Zebras come in second in size at 2.6 meters (8.5 foot) height and weighing about 370 kilograms. Zebras don’t eat any meat. Facts About Zebras. Zebras are herbivores, which means they eat only plants and grasses. If there is no suitable grass, zebras will happily eat flowers, herbs, hardy shrubs, twigs, bark, and legumes. Here is a quick look at the main foods that zebras most enjoy eating. They can digest coarse grasses which other herbivores can’t. While they may be similar in appearance to horses, a zebra has a specialized digestive system built for Africa. Red oat grass (Themeda triandra) is a particular preference for common zebras. Due to the climate in Africa (there is often a severe lack of water which is known as a drought), zebras have … They are also often given treats like carrots, apples, and sugar cubes. Zebras have a fairly simple structure of the stomach and they do not chew food repeatedly. Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. The grassland herding is vital for protection against hyenas and lions which like to prey on the zebras, even though it is challenging, since zebras mostly travel in groups. Specifically, zebras prefer to eat different types of grasses. © 2020 WILD SKY MEDIA. Making it a great choice for zebras to enjoy. In early fall, more and more … They do this until they are about 3 1/2 months old. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 8 African wildlife pics that will knock your socks off. Zebras and other savannah herbivores would much rather eat green grass. In the wild, zebras feast on a lot of grass rich in salt. Zebras eat neither mice nor rats. Plains zebras are also known browse through the African grass which is not common behavior in other large ungulates of Africa. Zebras will eat any type of grass, especially in harsh times. Like all herbivores, zebras only eat plant matter. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING, University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web: Equus zebra, University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web: Equus greyvi, University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web: Equus burchelli. This seems fair. Their teeth wouldn’t do a good job of eating meat, and their stomachs couldn’t even attempt to digest it. The Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) prefers to live in sub desert […] What do Zebras Eat? 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