Class: MAMMALIA

Family: PERISSODACTYLA

Genus: EQUUS

Species: AFRICANUS [or possibly ASINUS]

This 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.