The donkey
or ass, Equus africanus asinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae
or horse family. The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African Wild
Ass, E. africanus. The donkey has been used as a working animal for at
least 5000 years. There are more than 40 million donkeys in the world,
mostly in under-developed countries, where they are used principally as
draught or pack animals. Working donkeys are often associated with those
living at or below subsistence levels. Small numbers of donkeys are
kept for breeding or as pets in developed countries.
A
male donkey or ass is called a jack, a female a jenny or jennet; a
young donkey is a foal. Jack donkeys are often used to produce mules.
Asses
were first domesticated around 3000 BC, or 4000 BC, probably in Egypt
or Mesopotamia, and have spread around the world. They continue to fill
important roles in many places today. While domesticated species are
increasing in numbers, the African wild ass and another relative, the
Onager, are endangered. As beasts of burden and companions, asses and
donkeys have worked together with humans for millennia.
