ZEBRA, a name sometimes given to all the striped equidm, all of which are natives of South Africa, and thus including the dauw (q.v.) and quagga (q.v.); but also in a more restricted use, designatinn. a single species, eqaus or asiaus zebra, a native of the menu tainous districts of South Africa. In the whole group the characters more resemble ' those of the ass than of the horse; the tail is furnished with long hairs only toward the tip, and the hind legs are without warts; the neck is full and arched, the mane stands erect. The zebra is about 12 hands high at the shoulder. It is of a light and graceful form, with slender limbs and narrow hoofs; the head light, the ears rather long and open; the gronnd color white, or slightly tinged with yellow; the head, neck, both-, and legs striped with black, the neck and body transversely, but not regularly; the head with bands in various directions, the legs with irregular cross stripes. The zebra
lives in small herds, inhabiting the most secluded spots. Its senses of sight, smell, and hearing are very acute, and the least alarm is sufficient to make a whole herd scamper off, with pricked ears and whisking tails, to inaccessible retreats among the mountains. When attacked, however, and compelled to defend themselves, zebras do it vigorously, the herd forming iu a compact body, with their heads toward the center, and their heels toward the enemy, repelling even the lion and leopard by their kicks. The zebra has been domesticated, and used as a beast of burden, but generally shows a vicious and untraceable disposition. The flesh is eaten by the natives and hunters of South Africa. A hybrid has been produced between the zebra and the ass.