donkey
Sign in to saveThe donkey or ass is a domesticated equine. It derives from the African wild ass, Equus africanus, and may be classified either as a subspecies thereof, Equus africanus asinus, or as a separate species, Equus asinus. It was domesticated in Africa some years ago, and has been used mainly as a working animal since that time.
AI overview
A donkey is a domesticated member of the horse family that was descended from African wild asses and domesticated in Africa. Since its domestication, the donkey has been valued primarily as a working animal for human purposes.
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Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Equus africanus
- Image
- Donkey in Clovelly, North Devon, England.jpg
Show 8 more facts
- P105
- subspecies
- P1343
- Pauly–Wissowa
- P366
- donkey
- P1889
- Donkey
- P1672
- donkey meat
Article
17 sectionsContents
- Nomenclature
- History
- Conservation status
- Characteristics
- Cross on back
- Breeding
- Behaviour
- Uses
- In warfare
- Care
- Shoeing
- Nutrition
- Feral populations
- Donkey hybrids
- See also
- References
- External links
The donkey or ass is a domesticated equine. It derives from the African wild ass, Equus africanus, and may be classified either as a subspecies thereof, Equus africanus asinus, or as a separate species, Equus asinus. It was domesticated in Africa some years ago, and has been used mainly as a working animal since that time.
There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world, mostly in underdeveloped countries, where they are used principally as draught or pack animals. While working donkeys are often associated with those living at or below subsistence, small numbers of donkeys or asses are kept for breeding, as pets, and for livestock protection in developed countries.