Why International Zebra Day Matters

Despite existing protective laws, hunters often target zebras for their skins and meat. Climate change further exacerbates the challenges for zebras, who struggle with drought and extreme heat waves, jeopardizing their food and water sources. 

Moreover, urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation affect zebra habitats, increasing conflicts between humans and zebras. 

International Zebra Day aims to raise awareness about what these creatures face, and by doing so, it calls everyone to action. Learn more about facts, the latest data, and global initiatives that can help you with the cause below.

Unique Features of Zebras

Zebras' black and white stripes are a natural bug repellent and marker of individual identification. 
Zebra foals are born with brown and white stripes. Some even have spots. 
Their adaptive digestive system allows them to efficiently extract energy from fibrous grasses, contributing to their survival in environments with scarce food.
Zebra stripes regulate their body temperature and help them camouflage themselves in the African continent.
Their wide-set eyes and swiveling ears help them detect potential threats in their surroundings.

Latest Conservation Data Endangered Grévy's zebra, Photo by Bernard DUPONT on Flickr licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (Cropped from original)

IUCN reported Plains Zebras to be near threatened. However, a 2020 study reported that the population had decreased by 25% since 20021.

IUCN categorized Mountain Zebras as Vulnerable3. With over 34,000 mature individuals, its population is rising due to the recovery from a drought in the 80s. However, the threat remains, hence the vulnerable status.

The most unfortunate of the three zebra species is the endangered Grévy's zebra. Its population declined by more than half for the last three decades2. Habitat degradation, competition with livestock, and local hunting are the top threats that led to their status.

Conservation Initiatives

Save the Stripes, launched by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, focuses on conserving the endangered Grevy's zebra in Kenya. It works on habitat protection, anti-poaching, and community engagement.
Grevy's Zebra Trust conserves the Grevy's zebra in Ethiopia and Kenya. They conduct monitoring, research, and community outreach programs to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) works to conserve key African landscapes, including zebra habitats. It uses community-based conservation projects, habitat protection, and anti-poaching initiatives.

Brief Timeline of Zebra Conservation Efforts

1979:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) included Grevy's zebras in its appendices, regulating their international trade.

2008:
The IUCN moved down the status of Mountain Zebras from Endangered to Vulnerable.

2010:
The UN General Assembly declared 2011-2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, indirectly promoting zebra conservation efforts.

2015:
The UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, which include targets related to wildlife conservation.

2016:
The IUCN updated the status of the Plains zebra from Least Concern to Near Threatened.