In a remarkable display of cooperation and mutual benefit, zebras and giraffes have been observed migrating together in the African savannah, forming an unlikely yet vital alliance against predators.
In the vast expanse of the African savannah, a remarkable phenomenon has been observed – zebras and giraffes traveling together in a unified herd. This unlikely alliance appears to serve a vital strategic purpose, boosting both species’ chances of survival in a landscape teeming with lions and other threats.
Zebras are equines that belong to the horse family.
There are three main species: plains zebra, mountain zebra, and Grevy's zebra.
They are known for their distinctive black and white stripes, which act as camouflage in their natural habitats.
Zebras inhabit grasslands and savannas in Africa, where they feed on 'grasses and plants'.
They are social animals and live in large groups called 'herds'.
On average, a zebra's lifespan is around 20-30 years in the wild.
A Symbiotic Bond
Zebras and giraffes form a symbiotic bond that benefits both species. Giraffes, with their towering height and sharp vision, serve as vigilant sentinels, providing early warning of approaching predators. Zebras offer safety in numbers, creating a bustling herd that deters potential attacks and reduces the chances of any one individual being targeted.
Documenting the Relationship
To study this phenomenon, researchers attached video cameras to six wild zebras in South Africa‘s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The cameras captured weeks of footage from their lives, including interactions with other species – particularly giraffes. An analysis of the clips revealed that zebras spent around a quarter of their daytime hours in the company of other species.
A Special Bond with Giraffes
Not all mixed-species interactions were equal, though. The zebras spent roughly twice as much time per interaction with giraffes as with other animals – an average of 2.2 hours compared with about one hour with impalas and other ungulates. More notably, only with giraffes did zebras synchronize their movements and feeding patterns on the go.
The giraffe is the tallest mammal, reaching heights of over 18 feet.
Its long neck allows it to browse leaves from tall trees, a necessity due to its diet consisting mainly of acacia leaves.
Giraffes have unique spots, each pattern being distinct to an individual.
They possess special valves in their neck to prevent their brains from getting too much blood when bending down.
Adult giraffes can weigh between 1,100 and 2,800 pounds.
Lessons for Conservation
This insight holds valuable lessons for conservation and wildlife management. ‘These ecosystems evolved as multispecies assemblages,’ notes ‘T. Michael Anderson’ , a savanna ecologist at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. ‘And so protecting them requires preserving the natural relationships that sustain the ecosystems.
- sciencenews.org | In a first, zebra cams reveal herds on the move with giraffes
