The Zebra    [16-11-2007] The zebra is native to eastern and southern Africa. Each zebra has its own unique stripe pattern just like human fingerprints. There are no two zebras that have stripes that are exactly the same. It's not only zebra's fur that is striped but their skin is also striped. Zebras are usually one to two meters in height, two to three meters in width and weigh around 250~500 kilograms. The average life span of a zebra is around 28 years. There are four species of zebra: The Plains Zebra, Grevy's Zebra, Cape Mountain Zebra and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra. They can be found in grasslands, savannas, woodlands, mountains and coastal hills. Zebras are social animals and they usually travel in herds. They graze together and even groom one another. Zebras feed mainly on grasses. But they also eat shrubs, herbs, twigs, leaves and bark. The Plains Zebra is the most common species. They live in small family groups. A small family group is made up of a male, a few females and their babies. Zebras must be wary of lions and hyenas all the time. If a zebra is attacked, its family will come to help the wounded zebra. Zebras have excellent eyesight. They also have night vision. Zebras have great hearing, too. They have larger ears than horses. Like horses, zebras can turn their ears in almost any direction. Ear movement can also tell the zebra's mood. When a zebra is in a good mood, its ears stand erect. When it is frightened, its ears are pushed forward. When angry, the ears are pulled backward.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)