Burchell's zebra stallion chasing a rival in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa

© Richard Du Toit/Minden Pictures

Burchell's zebra stallion chasing a rival in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa

The social structure of Burchell’s zebras is based on a stallion leading a herd of mares—the whole group is called a harem. A young stallion may attempt to lead one of the mares away to his own harem, an effort that may result in a rough confrontation with the resident stallion. Or, the resident male may simply chase the interloper off, as depicted in this photo.