Zebras are said to be social animals and spend their time in groups. They graze together, primarily grass-based, and can even groom each other.

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The most common species is the Plains Zebra. They live in small groups that include a male (stallion), several women, and their young. Although these units can combine to form impressive herds of thousands of heads, their families will still be close to each other.

The Sleeping Habits of Zebras

Zebras will sleep when they are not traveling or eating. They actually sleep standing up. Zebras sleep best when they are in large groups, so they can be alerted to danger.

Zebras can sleep for up to seven hours each night. They sleep upright during the day and lie down at night. They rub against rocks and trees and are often covered in dust to protect themselves from flies. Except for the mountain Zebra, zebras are able to roll completely over.

Zebras are more active in daylight hours. They prefer to spend their nights in short pastures that are relatively safe from predator ambush. They will only move very little during the night and graze for an hour at a stretch. While other zebras may sleep peacefully, they are always alert and vigilant.

In warm weather, zebra herds start moving to longer grass pastures at daybreak. They may travel many miles before they settle down for the night. Social activity peaks at the peak of mass movements between sleeping areas and pastures, as well as to water at midday.

Zebras Protect Each Other

Zebras need to be alert for lions, hyenas, and other predators. Many eyes are always on the alert for danger in a herd. A herd of animals will defend themselves against attack by predators. They will circle the injured zebra to try to drive away predators.

Can zebras sleep alone?

Zebras can’t sleep alone. Zebras are surrounded by predators that would love to eat them while they sleep. They don’t sleep unless another zebra is nearby to protect them.

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