The African Wild Ass (Equus africanus asinus) is also called a donkey. It is a domesticated animal. It is an ungulate – a hoofed mammal.

The African Wild Ass has grey-brown fur with a white nose, a black stripe from the base of its neck to its front legs, and a short mane. It has a large head and large, long ears.

African Wild Ass

The African Wild Ass varies in size, but is generally 79-160 centimetres (31-63 inches) tall.

The African Wild Ass is adapted to hot desert areas. They are generally solitary animals.

A male ass is called a jack, a female ass is called a jenny, and a young donkey is called a foal.

A jenny is pregnant for about 12 months, and usually gives birth to a single foal. The African Wild Ass can interbreed with other members of the family Equidae, and are commonly interbred with horses. The hybrid between a jack and a female horse (mare) is called a mule. The hybrid between a jenny and a male horse (stallion) is called a hinny. The African Wild Ass can also interbreed with zebras to produce zonkeys.

The African Wild Ass has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

African Wild Ass

African Wild Ass

African Wild Ass

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM