Mammal · GBIF taxon 2440891
Donkey
Equus asinusAlso known as Ass, Domestic Ass, Burro
Donkeys are stoic, intelligent equines adapted originally to harsh desert environments where scarce resources favored independent problem-solving over frantic herd flight. Rather than bolting when startled, they typically freeze to assess threats and will actively defend themselves or their companions by kicking and biting. Their deep, resonant bray can carry for several kilometers across arid open ground, maintaining contact with neighboring individuals.
DomesticatedHerbivoreWorking Animal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Strictly herbivorous; feeds on grasses, shrubs, bark, and rough desert browse high in fiber
Predators
- Wolf
- Coyote
- Mountain Lion
ThreatsPoor welfare practices, overwork, neglect, and high demand for donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao)
HabitatsPastures, arid scrublands, deserts, farmlands, and rocky semi-arid plains worldwide
Life span25–40 years in domestic care, occasionally exceeding 45 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerissodactyla
- FamilyEquidae
- GenusEquus
- SpeciesEquus asinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering powerful defensive kicks and bites; approach calmly with owner permission.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with strong jaws and powerful hind legs capable of delivering fractures or blunt trauma through defensive kicks and bites.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for flattened ears, bared teeth, stamping hooves, or an animal turning its hindquarters directly toward you.
- What to do
- Never walk closely behind an unfamiliar donkey; speak softly to announce your presence and retreat if tension shows.
Responsible observation
- Approach: Move in slowly from the side where the animal has clear sightlines rather than directly behind.
- Handling: Offer a closed fist for sniffing before attempting to stroke the neck or shoulder.
- Field Safety: Give feral jacks and mother jennies with foals plenty of space to avoid defensive aggression.
Ancestor H. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Same Genus (c) Michael Oppermann, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Same Genus Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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