When we were on a safari in South Africa recently, I asked the guide why zebras do not blend into the background like other animals – like lion – who blend into their surroundings. His answer was that zebra are herd animals and when they run away from threats in a group, they create an optical illusion which confuses the predators. Said predators are thus unable to tell where the individual zebra are because they form a dazzling blur.
I am sure there are other theories but with the above theory I wonder how they found out what the predators actually see? Surely each type of animal has different vision?
These spectacular photographs were taken by my cousin, Christine Westraadt.
Another theory implies that the black-and-white patterns are confusing for flies and other nasty flying insects. Interestingly, the marketing texts never provide links to the “scientific studies” mentioned 😉.
At least there seems to be a grain of truth in it – ever since using a zebra-striped eczema rug i’ve been able to downgrade from a model with a belly pad to a lighter rug with cross surcingles without worsening for my horse’s skin …
Thank you so much for this. I have long been fascinated by zebra because they really don’t blend into their surroundings, do they?