Each mare gives birth to one young only, and a strong bond exists between the female ass and her fowl which lasts for the first two years of the foal's life. During this time, the mare defends herfowl against all other animals. Stallions become sexually mature at 2 years but due to competition with otherstallions, they usually don't succeed is mating until 4 years of age. Sexual maturity in females depends on their food. Persian asses have a lifespan of about 40 years.
Asses live in herds, though old stallions are usually solitary.
The mare and her fowlalso live together or in herds that are entirely made up of female asses and their fowls. Persian asses are active during the day, becoming most active early in the morningand in the evening. However, in places where they feel they have less protection, theyalso become active at night, prefering to drink from springs at mid-night. The ass has keen senses and can smell humans from a far distance. Persian wild asses live only in Iran.