Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, like human fingerprints. When in a herd, the stripes merge into a giant mass, making it hard for predators to single out individual animals. Their stripy coat is believed to disperse more than 70% of heat, preventing them from overheating in the sun.
They usually live in small family groups called herds. The leader of the herd stays at the back of the group to protect against predators. A zebra's foal is dark brown and white at birth. They can walk just 20 minutes after birth and run after an hour.
Their eyesight at night is as good as that of a cat or an owl. They are dependent on water. They need to drink every day, so they do not move far from watering holes. Zebras are highly social and will only go to sleep if they are close to neighbors, so they can be warned if a predator approaches. They also enjoy grazing together and grooming each other. They can run at speeds of up to 56km per hour (34 miles per hour). They combine this speed with great stamina and zigzag motion to evade predators chasing them.
They communicate with each other through various vocal expressions and through the position of their ears and tails. They can turn their ears in almost any direction and use this to communicate their mood. For example, when the ears are pulled backward, they are angry, and when pointed up, they are calm and friendly.