Somali Wild Ass

Equus africanus somaliensis

Average

The **Somali Wild Ass** (*Equus africanus somaliensis*) is a mid-sized African ungulate featured in the Arid Animal Pack DLC for *Planet Zoo*.

## Zoopedia Description

### General

**Population In Wild:** 20-200

As a subspecies of the African wild ass, the Somali wild ass (or Equus africanus somaliensis) is an equid that lives in the deserts and semi-deserts of Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. It has a grey coat with a pale underside and white legs, which are covered in thin black stripes. It has a rigid black-tipped mane, black-tipped ears and a black tuft at the tip of its tail. The muzzle is pale, but may be grey-black around the nose and mouth. Males and females look alike: they typically stand 3.9ft to 4.8ft tall at the shoulder, are 6.6ft to 7.9ft long, and weigh 496lb to 739lb.

Somali wild asses are Critically Endangered due to overhunting and hybridization. The other subspecies of the African wild ass, the Nubian wild ass, is already presumed extinct for similar reasons. The Somali wild ass is hunted for food and traditional medicine, and the remaining wild stock is at risk of interbreeding with domestic donkey breeds. Additionally, increased human development means the species must compete with livestock for grazing grounds and access to water. While it is illegal to kill Somali wild asses in Ethiopia, legislation is not consistent across the animal's entire range. The high rate of hybridization makes it difficult for conservationists to assess species lines and carry out protective measures. Only 20 to 200 animals remain in the wild. About the same number of Somali wild asses are housed in captive conservation and breeding programs across the globe, with the aim of preserving the species.

### Social

Somali wild asses live solitarily or in loosely bonded herds in the wild, depending on the availability of resources. Males in the herd will have up to 10 females that they defend. Bonds between individuals are not strong except between mothers and their foals.

### Reproduction

Little is known about the natural breeding habits of the Somali wild ass as there are very few wild populations left to observe, and their reproduction is often managed by humans in an effort to conserve the species. This information is based on captive and managed reproduction observations.

During the mating season in spring, solitary male wild asses attract females with braying vocalizations, especially if the young females present do not do not have attachments to another male's herd. Males who already lead a group of females will defend their herd from outside males. A male monitors all females in the herd for signs of estrus, and mounts them if receptive. A female ass who is in estrus signals her receptiveness by kicking, spreading her legs, flicking her tail, and opening her mouth.

After a pregnancy of 12 months, the female gives birth to a single foal. The dominant male of the herd will be extremely defensive of mothers and foals in his herd and acts aggressively towards any perceived threat. Foals remain close to their mothers and exclusively feed on their milk until they are 4 weeks old, at which point they begin eating solid food. Weaning is complete by 12 to 14 months old, which usually coincides with the birth of a new foal.

Young male and female asses leave their natal herd when they approach sexual maturity between 1.5 and 2 years old. The dominant stallion of the herd is likely to aggressively chase away young males in his herd, who will attempt to attract their own harem, while young females leave in search of new males.

## Animal Care

 FEEDING STATIONS
 FOOD ENRICHMENT
Grazing Ball Feeder · Large Barrel Feeder · Hanging Grazer Feeder · Melon Feeder · Scarecrow Feeder
Musical Keyboard · Large Ball · Grab Ball · Plant Screen · Rubbing Pillar · Scots Pine/Tamarind Scratching Tree · Herb Scent Marker · Large Snow Ball · Water Jet · Water Jet Rock

## Trivia

* Somali wild asses are adapted to extremely hot environments and can eat very tough desert plants.
* The call of the Somali wild ass can be heard up to 2 miles away.
* The large ears of the Somali wild ass allow it to cool down on hot days.
* Unlike horse species, which run when frightened, asses will freeze and refuse to move when intimidated.
* It is believed that the domestic donkeys found in Italy are descendants of the Somali wild ass.