Equus asinus Linnaeus, 1758
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Donkeys have a long and interesting history and their close interaction with humans has resulted in a rich legacy of folklore and myth in ancient Middle-Eastern cultures, and donkeys are included in many biblical stories.
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Although the future of wild and feral donkeys is uncertain, domestic donkeys are not in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future. However, donkey lovers in the United States and Europe have founded many organizations dedicated to the rescue, preservation, and care of wild, abandoned, or unwanted donkeys. Feral donkeys in Death Valley National Park, California, were under strict population control for many years because they were competing with desert bighorn sheep for very limited resources. Many authorities felt that donkeys were driving the already threatened bighorn sheep to extinction, and about 400 wild donkeys were shot between 1987 and 1995 by National Park Service Rangers as part of their "Direct Reduction" policy.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
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The Provence donkey is a unique breed of donkey originating from the Basse-Provence, Haute-Provence and Dauphine regions of France. The breed was developed by shepherds in that region to aid them in their sheep tending duties and seasonal migrations between grazing areas.[1]
The breed is also known as the migration donkey, the Aries donkey, the Crau donkey and the Savoie donkey.[2]
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Rarity
Since the invention of automobiles and trains, this breed has declined at an alarming rate. At the end of the 19th century, a census in the Provençal departments recorded 13,000 donkeys.[2] But by 1956 they were down to around 2000 donkeys. In 1993 there were only 330 recorded Provence donkeys left.[1]
Description
Provence donkeys are noted for their solid build, strong bone structure, and calm and patient temperament. Their feet are quite large for a donkey, aiding them in being very sure footed, even on rough terrain. These characteristics make them ideal for use by the shepherds who breed them.
They are gray in color - ranging from very light gray to dark gray, sometimes with pinkish hues. They must have a dark, well defined cross on their back and shoulders, and often have leg garters as well. They typically also have white around their eyes and on their muzzle, and their ears almost always have a red or brown tint.[1][3]
Males stand 120 cm to 135 cm (471⁄4 to 53") tall and females stand 117 cm to 130 cm (46 to 51") tall by the time they are 3 years old.[3]
History
Donkeys have played an important role in the lives of shepherds in the Provence region of France. The oldest written record of these donkeys dates back to the 15th century.[2] Through selective breeding these shepherds developed a breed of donkeys specially suited for their needs. The Provence donkeys played an important role in the seasonal movement of the sheep herds. They carried food, supplies, salt for the sheep, young lambs that were born along the journey, and any other materials the shepherds needed. They were selected for their solid bone structure for carrying heavy loads, their docile temperament and good legs to carry them along the shepherds' migratory paths.[1]
The Provence Donkey Association was formed on December 22, 1992[2] by breeders and enthusiasts who wanted to promote knowledge and use of the Provence donkey, and preserve this unique breed.
On December 18, 1995[2] the French National Stud added the Provence donkey breed to its list of recognized breeds.
References
- ^ a b c d Longears Mall Donkey breed and history articles
- ^ a b c d e The Professional Handbook of the Donkey by Elisabeth Svendsen
- ^ a b Provence Donkey Association (Association de l’âne de Provence)
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Domestic donkeys are widely distributed and can be found almost everywhere in the world. However, true wild asses originated in the hilly, undulating deserts of northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula and are well-adapted for life in the desert. Domestic donkeys prefer warm, dry climates and, if left to become feral, they will return to such a habitat, like the feral burros of Death Valley National Park in California. Deserts are characterized by low, unpredictable rainfall and sparse vegetation.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; savanna or grassland
Other Habitat Features: agricultural
- Dossenbach, M. 1983. The Noble Horse. Boston: G. K. Hall.
- Phillips, E., The Wild Burro Rescue and Preservation Project. 1999. "Home Page" (On-line). Accessed October 3, 2000 at http://home.earthlink.net/~emilylee.
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Canada
Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable
United States
Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable
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The Karpass donkey is a rare landrace of donkey native to the Karpass Peninsula of Cyprus. In 2008, a group of Greek and Turkish Cypriots organized to save the animal from extinction after several were found shot to death.[1]
References
- ^ "Donkey Campaign Unites Cypriots". London: BBC. 2008-04-22. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7361353.stm. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
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Comments: Survives in harsh environments (e.g., Death Valley). On St. John, Virgin Islands: dry cactus/woodland, beaches, grassy flats (Turner 1984). In Arizona, remained close to permanent water in warmer months (Seegmiller and Ohmart 1981).
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Rounded Global Status Rank: GNA - Not Applicable
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Ponui donkey has two related meanings:
- A feral herd of donkeys established on Ponui Island, New Zealand. The herd is descended from three individuals released in the 1880s.
- A formal breed of donkey derived from this herd, also known as New Zealand donkeys.
Ponui donkeys are described as small, sturdy and docile.
See also
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