1. The hemione
The hemione, also called onager or Asian wild ass, was once abundant across the continent, from Palestine to China.
It only survives today in a few desert areas of Mongolia, Central Asia, Iran and China, victim of competition with humans, poaching, habitat destruction and the scarcity of resources.
Slightly larger than its African cousin, the hemione wears a light beige coat marked with black along the spine and belly, but devoid of stripes on the limbs.
It is the donkey that most resembles the horse, although it could never be domesticated.
The species is classified as endangered by the IUCN because a decline of approximately 20% of its population is projected over the next three generations.
It is estimated that there are currently around 55,000 hemiones in the wild.
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2. Kiang
Formerly considered a subspecies of the hemione, the kiang, or Tibetan wild ass, has been recognized since the beginning of the 21st century as a species in its own right.
It lives in large herds on the arid steppe of the highlands of China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India where it feeds on salty plants.
It is found up to 5300 m altitude, a record for a wild equine.
Its beige and brown to red two-tone dress, more contrasting than that of the hemione, allows it to blend into its desert environment.
Since water is scarce there, the kiang is generally content with the water contained in the plants it browses, or with snow in winter.
He shows an extraordinary sobriety.
Its only predator apart from man is the wolf.
However, its habitat is subject to strong human pressure, particularly for the mining industry.
Its population is not considered threatened for the moment, with approximately 60,000 to 70,000 individuals.
3. The African wild ass
The African wild ass belongs to the same species as the domestic donkey and is none other than its wild ancestor.
Easily recognizable, it has a gray to light beige coat with a black stripe along the spine, and often wears stripes reminiscent of zebras on its legs.
It measures on average 1.25 to 1.45 m at the withers.
Made for life in arid environments, it is equipped with a foolproof digestive system to take advantage of desert plants and can go without water for several days.
Its large ears allow it to have excellent hearing and to regulate its body temperature.
He is usually solitary, a rarity among donkeys.
It is unfortunately critically endangered, with only around 570 individuals distributed between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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The World of Animals & Nature
is a magazine dedicated to wild fauna and flora from around the world.
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