Asinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asinus |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Perissodactyla |
| Family: | Equidae |
| Genus: | Equus |
| Subgenus: | Asinus |
| Species | |
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Equus africanus |
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| Range of the three living ass species | |
Asinus is a group of animals that belongs to the Equus family, which includes horses and zebras. These animals are often called wild asses. They are known for their long ears, strong, lean bodies, and a reputation for being very tough and able to handle difficult conditions.
The common donkey is the most famous member of this group. Donkeys can be found living with people (domesticated) or living freely in the wild (feral). Besides donkeys, there are several kinds of wild asses that have never been tamed. These amazing animals live in different parts of Asia and Africa.
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Different Kinds of Wild Asses
Wild asses are part of the Equus family, which is like a big family tree for horses, zebras, and asses. The Asinus group is a smaller branch of this tree. Here are the main types of wild asses:
African Wild Ass
The African wild ass (Equus africanus) lives in parts of Africa. It's a very important animal because it's the wild ancestor of the domestic donkey!
- Nubian wild ass (Equus africanus africanus) – This type used to live in Africa but is now extinct.
- Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis) – These asses live in places like Somalia and Eritrea. They are very rare and are critically endangered.
- Donkey (Equus africanus asinus) – This is the domesticated version that people have used for thousands of years.
- Atlas wild ass (Equus africanus atlanticus) – This type of ass is also extinct.
Asiatic Wild Asses (Onagers)
The Onager or Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) lives in Asia. These animals are known for being very fast and strong.
- Mongolian wild ass or khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) – You can find these in Mongolia and China.
- Indian wild ass or khur (Equus hemionus khur) – These live in India.
- Turkmenian kulan (Equus hemionus kulan) – These are found in Central Asia.
- Persian onager or gur (Equus hemionus onager) – These live in Iran.
- Syrian wild ass or achdari (Equus hemionus hemippus) – This type is sadly extinct.
- European wild ass or hydruntine (Equus hemionus hydruntinus) – This type, which lived in Europe, is also extinct.
Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass)
The Kiang or Tibetan wild ass (Equus kiang) lives in the high mountains and plateaus of Tibet. They are the largest of the wild asses.
- Western kiang (Equus kiang kiang)
- Eastern kiang (Equus kiang holdereri)
- Southern kiang (Equus kiang polyodon)
- Northern kiang (Equus kiang chu)
