The zebra is the mammal known for its distinctive black-and-white stripes. Zebras are African equines, meaning they are close relatives of horses and asses and belong to the family Equidae.
There are three living zebra species: the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and Grévy’s zebra. Their patterns differ in width, spacing, and shape, and the stripe arrangement is unique to each individual—much like a fingerprint. Foals are born with brown-and-white stripes that darken as they mature.
A common mistake is assuming that zebras are white animals painted with black stripes. Their skin is black, while the coat contains areas where pigment production is suppressed, producing the lighter bands. The belly is often mostly white, which makes the pattern especially striking.
Scientists have proposed several explanations for the stripes, including camouflage, social recognition, and temperature control. Research has found the strongest support for the idea that stripes help deter biting flies, which may have difficulty landing on the rapidly alternating pattern. Zebras mainly graze on grasses and live across eastern and southern Africa.