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Striped animals

Zebras, tigers, okapis and lowland streaked tenrecs are familiar striped animals. Stripes may cover much of the body or appear mainly on the legs. Ring-tailed lemurs, raccoons and red pandas have contrasting bands around their tails.

Where do stripes appear?

  • Zebras: black-and-white patterns vary among species and individuals.
  • Tigers: dark coat stripes can help researchers recognise individual animals.
  • Okapis: pale bands mark the limbs and hindquarters, contrasting with a mainly brown body.
  • Lowland streaked tenrecs: yellowish stripes stand out against a dark body, with spines among the fur.
  • Ringed tails: alternating bands are visible on ring-tailed lemurs, raccoons and red pandas.

Do all stripes have the same function?

Similar patterns can have different explanations. Their functions depend on the species, its surroundings and how other animals see them. Camouflage is only one possible explanation.

A pattern can help identify an individual without revealing its diet or relationships. Zebras eat plants, while tigers hunt other animals.

Patterns and animal relationships

Tail rings are bands of colour, but they do not make a raccoon a close relative of a lemur. Bengal, Siberian and Sumatran tigers are forms of the tiger, rather than separate species in their own right.

Frequently asked questions

Which animals have stripes?

Examples include zebras, tigers, okapis and lowland streaked tenrecs. Ring-tailed lemurs, raccoons and red pandas have banded tails.

Are okapis closely related to zebras?

No. Okapis belong to the giraffe family, despite the zebra-like stripes on their legs.

Do all stripes serve the same purpose?

No. Their functions depend on the species and context.