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Introduction of Indian Wild Ass
The Indian Wild Ass is a species of ass that is native to the countries of southern Asia.
It is one of the four remaining subspecies of the Asian Wild Ass, and it can only be found in India.
Ghudkhur, Khur, or Indian onager are all terms used to describe it in the local language.
The Indian Wild Ass, in contrast to its closely related family of donkeys and horses, has not been domesticated despite numerous attempts to do so over the years.
These species live in a variety of habitats including wetland ecosystems, deserts, arid grasslands and shrub lands.
It was once lived in the provinces of western India, Baluchistan and Sindh Province of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the southern Iranian provinces.
They are currently only found in small numbers in India's Rann of Kutch region, which is a flat saline desert with a high salt concentration in the soil.
It is one of the fastest mammals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 to 80 kilometres per hour.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as "Near Threatened" (IUCN)
Because of conservation efforts, the Indian Wild Ass population has steadily increased over the last several years, and this is expected to continue.
Located in the small Rann of Kutch region of Gujarat, India, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary has a total land area of 4,900 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
However, an estimated 35% of the total population of wild ass lives outside of the protected area.
There are one more Wild Ass species found in India, Tibetan Wild Ass. This species is found in the Ladakh region.
Scientific Name of Indian Wild Ass
Equus hemionus khur
Physical Description of Indian Wild Ass
The Indian Wild Ass has a mule-like appearance.
In most cases, it is sand-coloured, but it can also be bluish-grey or pale chestnut in appearance.
The animal is distinguished by its erect, dark mane, which extends from the back of its head down its neck and is a distinctive feature of its appearance. However, these manes are much smaller than horses.
The mane is then followed by a dark brown stripe that runs from the horse's back to the base of its tail, completing the look.
Its average weight is 250 kg, and its length is 260 centimetres, with a tail length of 80 centimetres.
Male wild asses are significantly larger in size and strength than female wild asses.
Life Cycle of Indian Wild Ass
The Indian Wild Ass has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.
The Indian Wild Ass is a monogamous species that only mate with one female at a time.
By staying with the mare (female wild ass) and her foal (offspring) throughout the year, male wild asses are responsible for their care and attention to them.
The breeding season for this species takes place between April and October, with an average gestation period of 11 to 12 months.
They typically give birth to a single child.
Stallion competition for mare attention occurs during the rainy season, and mating occurs during this time.
Following the selection of a mating pair, they are separated from the rest of the group.
Characteristics of Indian Wild Ass
They live in groups of varying sizes, starting from 3 to 10 in numbers.
Typically, the group consists of family members only, with mother, baby and subadult males.
Male wild asses are solitary and they only live with family for 2 years (mating time to 1 year of offspring).
The male asses, also known as stallions, are in charge of leading the herd.
While roaming the parched field, they keep ongoing in their search for food.
They are particularly, active during daytime only.
They use their back legs during the fighting.
A wild ass kick can be fatal.
Diet of Indian Wild Ass
In addition to grass, leaves, and fruits, it also consumes saline desert vegetation and other plant materials.
It is a hardy creature that can endure high temperatures and dehydration.
The Indian Wild is known to enter paddy and wheat fields in the middle of the night, causing extensive crop damage.
