The Wenden Animal Encyclopaedia

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====== AFRICAN WILD ASS ======

Class: MAMMALIA

Order: PERISSODACTYLA

Family: EQUIDAE

Genus: EQUUS

Species: AFRICANUS [or possibly ASINUS]

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**T**his species of wild equid is one of about nine species within the genus Equus, to which it is believed to be most closely related to the wild-asses of Asia. It is sometimes considered to belong to the same species as the domestic donkey – which is classified as //E. asinus//. Mot authorities today, however, consider it a separate species. Three sub-species of this wild-ass have been recorded – the Somali Wild-Ass [//E. africanus somalicus//] being the only species known for certain to exist in the 21st century. The Atlas Wild-Ass, which is classified as //E. a. atlanticus//, is believed to have gone extinct in the 4th century. The Nubian Wild Ass, //E. a. africanus//, remains a subject of debate. It survived into the later 20th century, but has not been seen in its native range since. It is thought by some that a population of feral donkeys on the island of Bonaire may constitute the last existing population of the sub-species – and genetic testing shows that these donkeys are genetically closer to the Nubian Wild-Ass than they are to either the Somali ass or Domestic Donkey. If the Nubian Wild-Ass exists today, however, it has been extirpated from its native range. The species once had a wide range across Northern Africa – but today, in its native range, is known to inhabit only small areas of Ethiopia. It is a historically significant species – it is believed to be the ancestor of the domestic donkey, which itself is thought closer to the Nubian population than the Somali population.

Morphologically, the African Wild Ass is a striking animal. Its pelage is largely greyish-brown, with a white underbelly. Its skull, compared to the Asiatic Kiang, is longer – but its legs shorter. The ears are large, allowing it to be alert of predators through good hearing. Its most defining features are several thin stripes which occur on their legs. It is not more closely related to zebras than it is to the Asiatic asses – which implies that the original ancestor at least possessed a phenotype for striped legs. At shoulder, the animal is about 1.3 metres in height, and is about 2 metres in length from head to tail. As with other equids, the hoof is of a singular toe. Similar to the kiang and onager, the African Wild Ass has a dark stripe across its back, and a dark mane and tail tassel. Year-round, the coat is thin – as it requires only thin fur to survive in harsh desert.

It is a fast runner, reaching speeds of 43 mph – with hooves which grow quickly to account for this. They are well-adapted to a habitat of harsh desert, and can live without water for significant periods of time – in such periods losing significant proportions of their body weight in water. The Danakil Desert in Ethiopia, which accounts for what is believed to be the majority of the animal’s remaining population outside of captivity, habituates one of the most hostile environments on Earth, with an average temperature of about 35 degrees Celsius. In such environments, the animal stays close to areas where food is relatively abundant – even if this food comes in the form mainly of rough shrubs. In more hospitable areas, such as those in captivity they show a preference for grazing, but also browse off bushes and trees. Much of their water consumed comes from vegetation, as much of the water in their desert habitat is very acidic – but even sometimes this is consumed by the animals. When drought occurs as it naturally does, the African wild-ass can go without food for an extended period of time.

The species forms matriarchal groups of up to 15 animals – but these seem less rigid than other hoofed animals with individuals traversing between groups on occasion. The males are more solitary and territorial – with an individual range being about 20 square kilometres in size. They socialise with females to mate, but after mating are known to be aggressive. Larger herds tend to congregate during the night’s less harsh conditions – but are more separated during the daytime where they spend time at higher altitudes. Like other equids they are pregnant for about a year before birthing a single foal. This foal suckles constantly for four months – but will occasionally do so until it is about 2 years of age. Sexual maturity for females is achieved between 2 and 4 years of age – but in males it is about 5. In captivity, ages of around 25 are able to be reached.

The species is considered to be critically endangered towards extinction - partially due to being genetically contaminated by domestic donkeys which are often farmed in the inhabited region, where they remain of importance to farmers. The resources for the animal’s survival are further competed with grazing livestock - and it is also sometimes hunted. Sometimes this is for meat -  but more often, its internal organs are considered to have medicinal qualities - which are not held to reliable knowledge. The population of the species is not believed to exceed 400.

Breeding success has been achieved with the species in captivity, though has been difficult to achieve with the aggressive habits of stallions. In 1996, Marwell Zoo in the UK bred the first foal born in the United Kingdom - and many more have been bred there since. As of 2023, just more than 30 public collections in Europe maintain the species - and a few others in the United States also do so. As of 2023, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California has the largest herd in the country.