Asian wild ass  (Equus hemionus)

There are five subspecies of Asian wild ass at present; the Syrian wild ass Equus hemionus hemippus became extinct in 1927 (3). Asian wild asses have fairly short legs (2), and their colouration varies depending of the season (3). They are generally reddish-brown during summer, but become a yellowish brown in winter. The underside is either white or buff. They have a characteristic black stripe, bordered with white that extends along the middle of the back (2).

40,000 years ago in the late Pleistocene era, Asian wild asses extended to west Germany (4). Today, their distribution has become greatly reduced (3). The most abundant population today is found in southern Mongolia. This population alone accounts for around 80% of the total population of the species (4). All other populations number fewer than a hundred individuals. The Indian wild ass, also known as the khur, was once found throughout the arid part of north-west India (including part of present-day Pakistan), but it is now restricted to a small area of Gujarat, India. The Onager (E. h onager) is found in two very small sub-populations in Iran. The kulan (E. h. kulan) is found in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, where it has undergone a dramatic decline. The kulan, onager and Indian wild ass all have very small and highly isolated sub-populations, and so are at great risk of extinction caused by chance events, such as the outbreak of disease or extreme climate events (4). The Gobi kulan (E. h luteus) is found in southern Mongolia and possibly northern China and the Mongolian wild ass (E. h. hemionus) in northern Mongolia (4).

Inhabits flat steppe, semidesert or desert. They are always found within 30 km of a spring or oasis (2).

This species eats grasses when available, but will browse on shrubs and trees at other times or in drier habitats (3). They have been seen feeding on seed pods and breaking up woody vegetation with their hooves to get at more succulent herbs growing at the base of the woody plants. In Mongolia they eat snow in winter as a water substitute, and they often dig holes in dry riverbeds to obtain water (4).

Breeding is seasonal, the gestation period in this species is 11 months, and most births occur from April to September. Females with young tend to form groups of up to five females. Males have been observed holding harems of females, but in other studies they defend territories that attract females. It is likely that differences in behaviour and social structure are the result of changes in climate, vegetation cover and hunting. (4).

The greatest threat facing the Asian wild ass is poaching for meat and hides (3), and there seems to be a trade in this species for medicinal reasons, which requires further investigation. The extreme isolation of many of the subpopulations is, in itself, a threat, as genetic problems can result from inbreeding (3). Overgrazing by livestock reduces the available food, and herders also reduce the availability of water at springs. The cutting down of shrubs and bushes further reduces food availability. Furthermore, a series of drought years could have devastating effects on this beleaguered species (4).

The Asian wild ass does occur in a number of protected sites where targeted conservation action has been taken. Domestic animals have been removed from some protected areas, and artificial watering holes have been made. Hay is provided for the species and there are hefty fines for poaching (4). Moreover, the species is legally protected in many of the countries in which it occurs (4). There are several Asian wild ass research programmes underway at present, as it is clear that details of the behaviour, ecology and taxonomic status of the Asian wild ass must be discovered before it can be effectively conserved (4).

Feh, C., Shah, N., Rowen, M., Reading, R. and Goyal, S.P. Status and Action Plan for the Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus) In Species Status and Conservation Action Plans- Asia:
http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/equid/docs/part2chapter5.pdf

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk