 Since the practical function of striping has not been determined for zebras in general , it is unclear why the quagga lacked stripes on its hind parts . A cryptic function for protection from predators ( stripes obscure the individual zebra in a herd ) and biting flies ( which are less attracted to striped objects ) , as well as various social functions , have been proposed for zebras in general . Differences in hind quarter stripes may have aided species recognition during stampedes of mixed herds , so that members of one subspecies or species would follow its own kind . It has also been evidence that the zebras developed striping patterns as thermoregulation to cool themselves down , and that the quagga lost them due to living in a cooler climate , although one problem with this is that the mountain zebra lives in similar environments and has a bold striping pattern . A 2014 study strongly supported the biting @-@ fly hypothesis , and the quagga appears to have lived in areas with lesser amounts of fly activity compared to other zebras . 
