Donkey

Animals Unique | Donkey | Donkeys were domesticated around 5000 Supposedly years ago in the north east of Africa from the Somali wild ass. The domestication if donkeys soon spread across the globe, with people Mainly using the donkeys to help carry heavy loads and transport goods long distances.

 

 They are anatomically normal and show normal breeding behavior, so hybrids should be gelded as early as possible to avoid studdy behavior.

The majority of donkeys today still do the same tasks burdening That the donkeys did Thousands of years ago, in a similar way to the pack-mules in the Asian mountains That burdening transport goods through the mountain passes.

Despite the obvious similarities Between a donkey and a horse, a donkey-horse offspring (mule) will always be infertile, due to a genetic malfunction That Occurs when two different species mate. This is also the case when different species interbreed of asses, Such as the onager and the Somali wild ass. Even though They are in the same genus taxonomically, the hybrid offspring of two species of ass will have sterile offspring.

 

Wild donkeys have adapted to living in desert environments and near Because of this, donkeys have very hardy immune and digestive systems. This allows the donkey to be Able to process and gain nutrition from vegetation That many other species of animal have great difficulty Gaining from any nutrition.

There are thought to be more than 44 million donkeys found throughout the world, with around 11 million of these donkeys found in China. Scientists believe That the real number of donkeys Could be much higher than this as many donkeys go unaccounted for.

 

Donkeys are said to have a Relatively stubborn temperament but once the owner of the donkey has gained the trust donkeys, the donkey is extremely loyal and a good friend. Donkeys are not truly stubborn; They are very good at taking care of Themselves. Their self-preservation instincts are strong. They will refuse to proceed if They sense danger or if They are overburdened. They pass this valuable trait on to the mule. Donkeys are also thought to have a calming affect horses and donkeys over distressed Often are put into the fields with horses as They Make Great Companions for them.

Donkey Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: mammals
Order: Perissodactyla
Family: equid
Genus: Equus
Scientific Name: Equus acini
Type: Mammal
Diet: Herbivore
Size (H): 90cm - 130cm (35in - 51in)
Weight: 200kg - 258kg (441lbs - 570lbs)
Top Speed: 24km / h (15mph)
Life Span: 15-30 years
Lifestyle: Herd
Conservation Status: Threatened
Colour: Grey, Brown, Black
Skin Type: Fur
Favourite Food: Grass
Habitat: Arid forests and deserts
Average Litter Size: 1
Main Prey: Grass, Weeds, Vegetables
Predators: Fox, Wolf, Lion
Distinctive Features: Stocky body and hee-haw sounds