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Plains zebras in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
Stripe science
Why do zebras have stripes? As far as science is concerned, the answer's not in black and white. Originally it was thought that stripes camouflage the animals amid tall savannah grasses like those found here in Kenya. But research has suggested they also serve as a warning colouration, as reflective protection from hot sunlight, or even as a visual bug repellent. One thing we know for sure is that stripes help us identify zebras by species (like these plains zebras, recognisable by the stripes across their bellies) and even as individuals, because their stripe patterns are unique – just like human fingerprints.
Stripe science
Why do zebras have stripes? As far as science is concerned, the answer's not in black and white. Originally it was thought that stripes camouflage the animals amid tall savannah grasses like those found here in Kenya. But research has suggested they also serve as a warning colouration, as reflective protection from hot sunlight, or even as a visual bug repellent. One thing we know for sure is that stripes help us identify zebras by species (like these plains zebras, recognisable by the stripes across their bellies) and even as individuals, because their stripe patterns are unique – just like human fingerprints.
A zebra's stripes are like a human's fingerprints – no two individuals have the same pattern.
© Ian Cumming / Design Pics 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :