Description

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Context:

Zebra populations in Africa are generally declining, but conservation efforts have shown promise, especially for the Cape Mountain zebra subspecies, which is experiencing population growth.

About International Zebra Day

Aspect	Details
Date	31 January (International Zebra Day)
Purpose	Raise awareness about zebras and the challenges they face in the wild.
Habitat	Found in various parts of Africa: Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Angola, South Africa.
History	Established to educate about zebras and their need for protection due to habitat loss and hunting.
Significance	Reminds us to protect zebras, their habitat, and the ecosystem. Highlights the importance of conservation.
Threats	Habitat loss, hunting, and population decline.
Role in Ecosystem	Helps maintain healthy grasslands by grazing and seed dispersal.
2025 Focus	Encourages education and action to protect zebras and raise awareness about endangered species.

Key Facts about Zebra:

Aspect	Details
Species	1. Plains zebra (Equus quagga) 2. Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) 3. Mountain zebra (Equus zebra)
Subspecies	Plains zebra: 6 subspecies (e.g., Crawshay’s zebra, Grant’s zebra). Mountain zebra: 2 subspecies (e.g., Hartmann’s Mountain zebra).
Related to	Domestic horses
Physical Traits	Large, single-hoofed ungulates; 120–140 cm (47–55 inches) at the shoulder. Males have spade-shaped canines.
Diet and Digestion	Grazers; cecal digestion (less efficient than ruminants), compensating by eating more forage.
Stripes	Dark-skinned; stripes arise from melanocytes. Black stripes contain melanin, and white areas lack melanin.
Adaptations	Can subsist on low-quality grasses; forage faster than ruminants, especially in drought conditions.
Water Needs	Critical need for surface water; Grevy’s and mountain zebras excavate waterholes.
Conservation Status	Grevy’s zebra: Endangered; Mountain zebra: Vulnerable; Plains zebra: Relatively abundant but faces migration challenges.
Threats	Habitat loss, hunting, and human activities.

Source:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding International Zebra Day:

It is observed on 31st January each year to raise awareness about zebras and the challenges they face in the wild.
Zebras are found in various parts of Africa including Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Angola and South Africa.
The day was established to educate people about the role of zebras in ecosystem conservation focusing on their importance in seed dispersal and maintaining healthy grasslands.
International Zebra Day specifically aims to highlight the threats of climate change and poaching to zebra populations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1, 2, and 3

B) 2, 3, and 4

C) 1, 3, and 4

D) 1, 2, and 4

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: International Zebra Day is observed on 31st January each year to raise awareness about zebras and the challenges they face.

Statement 2 is correct: Zebras are found in various parts of Africa, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Angola, and South Africa.

Statement 3 is correct: The day was established to educate people about the role of zebras in ecosystem conservation, especially their role in seed dispersal and maintaining healthy grasslands.

Statement 4 is incorrect: While threats to zebras include habitat loss, hunting, and population decline, the focus of International Zebra Day is more about raising awareness and education rather than directly emphasizing climate change and poaching.