Kinds of Leaves That Zebras Eat

Grevy's Zebras

• Grevy's zebras live in semi-arid deserts and the grasslands of Kenya and Ethiopia. Most of their grazing comes from low vegetation. They eat Kenya grasses, leaves of low-growing bushes, local herbs, legumes and acacia bush leaves. Grevy's zebras can also survive on less nutritious vegetation, such as low-growing shoots and twigs, when other grasses are scarce. They will drink water daily when it is available, but can easily go two to five days without it if necessary. Grevy's zebras are known to travel long distances or dig for water when there is none readily available.

Mountain Zebras

• There are two species of mountain zebra, the Cape Mountain Zebra and Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; both are listed as endangered or threatened. The mountain zebra is native to southwest Africa, Angola and Namibia, preferring to live in rocky, dry hills and mountains. The main diet of mountain zebras includes leaves, roots, bark and tufted grass found in the mountains. Like the Grevy's zebra, mountain zebras have the ability to dig for water.

Plains Zebras

• Plains zebras are the most common species of zebra and are the most widespread, ranging through Ethiopia, east Africa and South Africa. Commonly found in woodlands and grassy plains, the zebras spend approximately 65 percent of the day eating. They eat a variety of grasses and will occasionally eat twigs and leaves. However, the majority of their diet consists of bark, stems, roots and red oat grass. Unlike Grevy's zebras, plains zebras migrate to follow the rain as they cannot live very long without fresh water. They often travel up to 700 miles in search of food.

Zebras in Captivity

• Zebras living in zoos and other captive habitats have grazing time while they are out; however, due to their need for constant food, they are supplemented with other foods as well. Zoos commonly feed zebras hay such as timothy hay or prairie hay. They are also given herbivore pellets or alfalfa cubes to supplement their diet. Fresh, green leafy vegetables such as lettuces, root vegetables such as fresh carrots and other fresh produce are fed to the zebras as a special treat. Unlike zebras in the wild, captive zebras have a constant supply of fresh water on a daily basis.