The Burchell's Zebra is one of the three species of Zebra. Their pattern varies depending on their geographic location. Southern specimens often lack stripes on their lower legs and stomachs. This may be due to crossbreeding with the now extinct Quagga.

The Burchell's Zebra is a social animal that is usually seen in family groups. It is not uncommon for the smaller family groups to join other families to form very large groups. It is interesting to note that the majority of the zebras seen in family groups are females. Males are forced out of the groups at maturity and they will leave to form new groups, comprised of 2 to 15 males, which are aptly named "bachelor herds". The Burchell's Zebra is an herbivore and feeds exclusively on grass. Like all zebras they are diurnal, and are therefore are most active during the daytime.

Like all Zebras, the Burchell's Zebra's most distinguishing feature is its black and white stripes. Unlike other zebras, however, southern specimens of the Burchell's Zebra may be distinguished from other species by the lack of stripes on their stomachs and lower legs. Striping varies by individual, and there may be differences between animals living in different geographic locations as well. Stripes are usually broader toward the rear of the animal and there may be faint "ghost" or "shadow" stripes between the main stripes. Males and females cannot be distinguished by differences in their patterns, but males are usually larger than females. The average mature male weighs a massive 550 pounds, while females usually reach 484 pounds on average. Immature Burchell's Zebras are easy to distinguish because they have brown stripes and longer hair.

The Burchell's Zebra has at least three additional subspecies other than the nominate subspecies. These are the Grant's Zebra also known as the Boehm's Zebra (Equus burchelli boemi), the Selous Zebra (equus burchelli selousi), and the Chapman's Zebra (Equus burchelli antiquorum). The nominate form is the Burchell's Zebra which is known by the scientific name Equus burchelli burchelli.

The Burchell's Zebra is native to Africa and is found in several different regions. Its primary predators are lions and hyenas.

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Burchell's Zebras mate in a harem setting, with one male mating with two to six different females. These groupings typically last for life. Females reach sexual maturity at 1 to 2 years of age.