Donkey

Ass

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Subphylum

Vertebrata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Perissodactyla

Family

Equidae

Genus

Equus

SPECIES

Equus africanus asinus

Population size

41 Mln

Life Span

12-50 yrs

TOP SPEED

24 km/h

WEIGHT

80-480 kg

HEIGHT

79-160 cm

Donkeys are large mammals, belonging to the family Equidae. These animals originate the African wild ass. During the last 5,000 years, they have been commonly used as important working animals. The global population of donkeys estimates as much as 40,000 individuals, the majority of which are found in underdeveloped countries, being used as draught or pack animals, typically by people who live at or below subsistence level. In developed states, donkeys are sometimes kept as pets. Additionally, some individuals of this species are kept to be bred.

Diurnal

Herbivore

Terrestrial

Precocial

Grazing

Sedentary

Polygyny

Social

starts with

Distribution

Domesticated individuals of this species occur around the globe. However, true wild donkeys can be found only in northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula. These animals are known to favor warm and dry climatic conditions, in which feral donkeys typically live.

Climate zones

Tropical

Arid

Temperate

Cold

Habits and Lifestyle

They are highly social creatures, eagerly associating with both conspecifics and other livestock animals, including horses, cows, goats, sheep and llamas. Periods of increased activity occur in the morning and evening, while the midday hours are typically spent resting. Donkeys are extremely cautious by nature, due to which they will avoid doing anything that seems to be dangerous. For example, when alarmed, they usually freeze or run. When the danger has passed, donkeys try to find the source of the threat. As a result, they got a reputation of stubborn animals, although they are actually quite obedient, hard-working creatures. Normally quiet and peaceful, they fiercely defend their foals when needed. Moreover, donkeys are sometimes trained to protect other domestic livestock such as sheep and goats. When under threat, they show remarkable degree of aggression, occaisonally attacking and trampling large dogs and humans.

Group name

herd, coffle, drove, pace

Lifestyle

Terrestrial, Precocial, Grazing, Sedentary

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR

Polygyny

REPRODUCTION SEASON

Year-round

PREGNANCY DURATION

11-14 months

BABY CARRYING

1 foal

INDEPENDENT AGE

5 months

FEMALE NAME

jenny, jennet

MALE NAME

jack, jackass

BABY NAME

foal, colt

Donkeys are polygynous, which means that one male mates with many females during a breeding season. Breeding occurs year-round. The gestation period usually lasts for 11-14 months, after which a single foal is born. Newborn babies are developed and are able to stand and feed during the first 30 minutes of their lives. Weaning occurs at 5 months old. Both males and females of this species are ready to mate at 2 years old, although males usually do so only after 3 - 4 years old, when they become dominant.

POPULATION STATUS

Not evaluated (NE)

ne dd lc nt vu en cr ew ex

Population number

As stated by the Wikipedia resource, the global population of these animals estimated as much as 41 million individuals in 2006, 11 million of which lived in China (the largest population of this species by country). Other states with large numbers of donkey population are Pakistan, Ethiopia and Mexico.

Domestication

Over thousands of years, donkeys have been important working animals in various parts of world. They are still very important livestock species in many countries. These animals originate from the Wild asses. They first appeared during the predynastic period, as early as 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, north-eastern Africa. The overall population of donkeys is currently increasing, whereas numbers of the African wild ass and the related onager are decreasing. These three species have long served humans as beasts of burden and companions.

Fun Facts for Kids

Donkeys are known to have an amazingly relaxing effect on other animals, due to which they are commonly used as companions for weaned foals. They also associate with alarmed, injured or recovering animals, soothing them and helping reduce stress.
Moreover, they serve as companions for mentally and physically limited children, participating in various recreational riding programs. Their positive effect on both animals and humans is explained by their affectionate, calm and patient nature.
Donkeys occasionally interbreed with other species such as horses or zebras, yielding sterile offspring. The hybrid of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare) is known as "mule". Young from a female donkey (jenny) and a male horse (stallion) are called "hinnies", whereas offspring, produced by a zebra and a donkey, are called "zebrasses" or a "zonkeys".
The first individuals of this species, born in the U.S., belonged to George Washington.
Donkeys love spending their time rolling.
Donkeys are thought to be rather stubborn creatures, which is not exactly true. They are, in fact, very cautious by nature. However, if their owner has gained their trust, they prove to be highly loyal workers, companions and even friends.

Donkey

Photos with Donkey

Distribution

Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Mating Habits

Population number

Domestication

Fun Facts for Kids

References

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About

Donkey

Photos with Donkey

Distribution

Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Mating Habits

Population number

Domestication

Fun Facts for Kids

References

Related Animals

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About