What kind of animal is the Somali wild ass (African wild ass)? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. As its name suggests, it is a type of donkey that can be seen widely in the African continent. However, they are in a very dangerous situation because they are designated as an endangered species.
What is an African wild ass? Basic stats
The African wild ass is classified as a perissodactyl, a mammalian animal of the order Perissodactyla, family Equidae, genus Equus. Its scientific name is Equus africanus, and its English name is Somali Wild Ass or African ass. Its body length is 200 cm and its weight is 200 kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | アフリカノロバ ソマリノロバ |
| English（英名） | Somali Wild Ass African ass |
| scientific name(学名) | Equus africanus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Perissodactyla、 Equidae、Equus 哺乳綱、奇蹄目、ウマ科、ウマ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 200cm |
| Weight（体重） | 200kg |
About classification
This page treats African wild asses and Somali wild asses as the same, but strictly speaking, they are both African donkeys with subspecies Somali and Nubian wild asses. Somali wild asses live in northeastern Ethiopia and Eritrea, while Nubian wild asses live in Sudan and Eritrea.
About habitat
African wild asses live in the northern part of Africa.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The African wild ass is gray, with white around its mouth and underside. It has long ears and a mane. It usually has a dark line down the center of its back, which extends to the tip of its tail. Donkeys live in semi-desert areas and dry grasslands. They have sharp hearing and vision, but they are also fast runners, and can run at up to 50km per hour when they sense danger.
What is its personality like?
African wild asses tend to live in small family units and are highly social animals. However, males often live alone. African wild asses rest in the shade of rocks or trees, and are active in cooler times such as early morning and evening.
What is its ecology?
African wild asses are active during the day and mostly eat grass. They have a gestation period of one year and can give birth to one baby at a time. They reach sexual maturity in about 2 to 4 years, and have a lactation period of one year. They live for 20 to 40 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of African wild asses are lions and tigers.
Is the African wild ass an endangered species?
The African wild ass is an endangered species. It is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. The population has drastically decreased due to overhunting for food and medicine, and competition with livestock for food and water. It is legally protected in its habitat, and protected areas have been established and activities are underway. The estimated population in the 1970s was 5,000.
Can African wild asses be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, the African wild ass is designated as an endangered species and is also listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to keep it as a pet.
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