I was recently intrigued to discover that there are no two zebras with the same stripes. I find it rather mind-boggling that every zebra has a completely unique design . After some consideration, I am humbled to admit that my consternation at the uniqueness of these creatures is founded on my own conceit. After all, if the fingerprints in humans are so unique to each individual, why should zebras not be accorded the same qualities of individuality? In particular, the stripes on its shoulders contain the most individualised markings so that it can be recognisable by its mate. How very impressive indeed for certainly, I would not recognise my mate just by the arrangement of hair on his shoulders!

Dressing in zebra motif in an attempt to be incognito is surely dependent on one’s environment.  In his natural environment, the zebra would huddle with his herd and confuse his predators — the lions and hyenas. Experts believe that the mass of stripes confuses the predators by acting as an optical illusion that blends their figures together. Consequently, a group of 10 zebras may look like a giant striped blob that a lion wouldn’t want to take on solo.

Some researchers have gone on to dispute the claims that stripes offer the zebra protection by confusing the large predators. In fact, some researchers from the University of California claim that the zebra’s short hair and lack of a winter coat may make it especially susceptible to insect bites, such as  flies that carry disease. These researchers notice that the stripes are particularly thin on the lower legs and are also very narrow on the head – which is close to the ground when grazing.

After extensive studies into the riddle of the zebra’s stripes, scientists from Royal Holloway, University of London and the University of Queensland  agree that the stripes create optical confusion that functions as a form of protection for the zebra . ‘The stripes don’t just confuse big predators like lions – pests and flies are affected too,’ said Professor Johannes Zanker from the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway.

‘The highly visible oriented stripes on a zebra’s flank and the narrower vertical stripes on its back and neck give unexpected motion signals that confuse viewers, particularly in a herd of zebras.’

Aside from the obvious camouflage advantage, the alternating colour pattern keeps the zebra cool by deflecting as much as 70 percent of heat from its body.

Then comes the age-old question: “What colour is a zebra?” Is it a black equine with white stripes or is it white with black stripes? Yet again, this is an area often debated and disputed by scientists and zoologists. Depending on one’s perspective (and it’s rather hard to gain perspective in the confusion of stripes), the zebra can be seen as being white because its stripes mostly end before they get to its white belly. Other experts like Lisa Smith, Curator of Large Mammals at Zoo Atlanta, will tell you that if you should shave off all the zebra’s coat, you will notice that the zebra’s skin is dark. Where there is pigment activation, the fur is black and where there is a lack of pigment (ie. pigment inhibition) the fur is white. All said, the debate rages on and the zebra is still a riddle.

Since I’ve always had a fascination with lines especially in nature and architectural photography, I am completely entranced by the monochromatic haute couture of the zebra.