Atlas wild ass (SciiFii)

The Atlas wild ass (Equus africanus atlanticus), also known as the Algerian wild ass, the Atlas wild donkey, and the Algerian wild donkey, is a subspecies of the African wild ass that is found across North Africa and parts of the Sahara. The Atlas wild ass was once extinct since 300 AD as a result of Roman sport hunting, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to its former range. The Atlas wild ass has stripes on its legs as well as a shoulder cross. Of the living subspecies of African wild ass, the Somali wild ass has only leg stripes, and the Nubian wild ass only the shoulder stripe. One or both features appear sometimes in the domestic donkey, the domestic descendant of the African wild asses. Due to the limited resources found in their habitat, Atlas 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. Atlas 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 Atlas wild ass is Endangered due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Atlas wild ass is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii