Nubian wild ass (SciiFii)

The Nubian wild ass (Equus africanus africanus), also known as the Nubian wild donkey, is the nominate subspecies of African wild ass (Equus africanus) that is native to the Nubian Desert of northeastern Sudan, from east of the Nile River to the Red Sea and south to the Atbarah River and northern Eritrea. The Nubian wild ass was originally either close to extinction or once totally extinct, but has since been brought back from (near) extinction by SciiFii, using the potential surviving Nubian wild asses from the Caribbean island of Bonaire and in Gebel Elba as surrogate mothers for the cloned Nubian wild asses, and reintroduced to the subspecies' former range. The Nubian wild ass has longer ears than the Somali wild ass, ranging from 182-245 mm in length. The Nubian wild ass also possesses the "cross-pattern" famous in domestic donkeys but absent in the Somali subspecies, and lacks the "zebra-stripe-pattern" on the legs as found in Somali specimens. Due to the limited resources found in their habitat, Nubian wild asses live in a fission-fusion society. Most adults live alone, but sometimes form small herds consisting of females and their young. In areas that have more resources, or have more rain, they will sometimes fuse together to form larger temporary herds. Stallions can maintain territories as large as nine square miles. They frequently leave dung piles as markers to remind them of their territory's boundaries. While females are welcome in their territories, stallions will often fight other males who try to mate with females in their territories. However, stallions have been observed allowing males into their territories for grazing, as long as they show no interest in his harem. Nubian wild asses typically give birth in the spring, a common characteristic among equids, after a year-long gestation. Within hours, the foal is up on its legs and keeping up with its mother. At around five days old, the foal is already nibbling grass. By the time its two weeks old, the foal is grazing regularly, however, still depending on its mother's milk for fluids. The foal is weaned by 12 to 14 months, but still stays close to its mother, only leaving to play or feed with the other foals in the herd. The conservation status of the Nubian wild ass is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss, hybridization with feral donkeys, and, historically, poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Nubian wild ass is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii