Skip to content

Plains Zebras Favoured a Less Available Grass in Maputo National Park

Plains zebras in grassland in Maputo National Park, Mozambique
Research · Ecology

A field study in Maputo National Park, Mozambique, found selective grazing by plains zebras (Equus quagga). Researchers recorded 14 grass species around feeding sites, 12 of which were eaten. Cymbopogon caesius stood out as the preferred species even though several other grasses were more widely available.

Data were collected in January 2024. Researchers drove mapped routes during the main feeding periods, observed herds, followed a focal animal for 15 minutes and then inspected the feeding site for freshly grazed plants. In total, 77 vegetation plots were established at feeding locations.

Availability alone did not explain what the zebras ate

Aristida barbicollis, Urochloa panicoides and Themeda triandra were among the grasses most frequently available. Cymbopogon caesius, however, was widely consumed despite its lower availability. The authors interpret this as evidence that forage choice reflected more than abundance alone and point to palatability and nutritional quality as likely contributors.

When consumption was compared with availability, Aristida barbicollis, Brachiaria eruciformis, Digitaria eriantha and Panicum maximum were eaten frequently when they were available. The results therefore show a combination of selective use of some less abundant grasses and frequent use of species that were readily available.

The diet drew on a broad set of grasses

The feeding-niche analysis showed substantial overlap in the use of grass species. The authors interpret the broad use of available grasses as consistent with substantial plant diversity and a well-supplied grazing system. That broader ecological interpretation comes from the authors; the field data themselves document which grasses were present, which were eaten and how often they were accepted when available.

The study concludes that management of large herbivores in Maputo National Park should consider not only total grass biomass but also the diversity, quality and distribution of forage species. The authors argue that maintaining a varied grass community is important for sustaining the park’s herbivore populations.

Sources and image credit

  1. Nhamangua, H. B., Mourão, C. J., Monguela, A. M., & Nchivanga, F. R. (2026). Seleção alimentar e nicho trófico de Equus burchelli no Parque Nacional de Maputo, Moçambique. Natural Resources, 16(1), e8849.Primary peer-reviewed field study. Volume 16, issue 1 was published 8 January 2026. The study examined forage selection by plains zebras at 77 feeding-site plots in Maputo National Park.

Image: Charles J. Sharp — plains zebras in Maputo National Park, Mozambique, 1 May 2024; the 2026 feeding study was conducted in the same national park. Source: Wikimedia Commons. · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

About this content: This story was produced with AI assistance within an editorial workflow developed by Wildlife Vagabond. Editorial responsibility remains with Wildlife Vagabond.How AI is used

Ecology

SPECIES IN THIS STORY

Species in this story

Plains Zebra Equus quagga Explore species

Independent research and conservation news archive

Did you find this information useful?

Wildlife Vagabond is independently built and maintained. Voluntary support helps cover source verification, hosting and continued work on research and conservation news.

Support Wildlife Vagabond

The news archive will remain freely available.