The African Wild Ass is thought to be the ancestor of the domesticated donkey of today. They are native to the dry areas of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
A Big Talker
Interestingly this member of the Equidae family lives in small family groups, not herds. However their bray is incredibly loud and they can communicate with each other from up to 2 miles away.
Image from redsea2006
Worth Preserving
Today these animals are facing extinction and conservations efforts are being made to keep them around. Unfortunately interbreeding with domestic stock has dangerously compromised their ancient bloodlines.
They are legally protected in the countries where they are found, although laws like these are pretty much impossible to enforce.
Primitive For Sure
Considering their natural habitat is so unforgiving it goes without saying that these animals are tough. They have survived there for thousands of years and they have the primitive markings to prove it.
Find Out More
There isn’t much out there about this breed in English. If anyone has any info they’d like to share or know of websites with more information please leave a comment below or send me a note.