Somali donkey

A donkey with striped legs similar to those of zebras

Its distribution is limited to scattered populations in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.

One of its main characteristics is the zebra-like stripes on its legs. It can reach speeds of 50 km/h and its defense is based on kicking with the hind and front legs.

It forms temporary groups of up to 50 individuals, of one or both sexes that last a few months. It breeds once every two years and birth occurs during the rainy season after a year of gestation.

The African Wild Donkey has been captured for domestication for centuries and hybridization with domestic species has caused its population to decline. Other threats facing this species include hunting for food and medicinal use in Ethiopia and Somalia, competition with domestic livestock for grazing and restricted access to water supplies due to agricultural growth.

Selwo Aventura's Somali donkey group is part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's (EAZA) European Endangered Species Program (EEP).

Conservation status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated