Donkey
Equus asinus
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
The domestic donkey is an herbivorous equid with long ears and sturdy hooves. Its ancestors were adapted to dry environments.
At a glance
- Location
- Domestic populations occur worldwide, particularly in agricultural and rural landscapes.
- Habitat
- Grassland, Desert
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Food
- Grasses and other available plant forage.
Classification
- Common name
- Donkey
- Browse group
- Mammals
- Scientific name or taxon
- Equus asinus
- Taxon rank
- species
- Order
- Perissodactyla
- Family
- Equidae
- Genus
- Equus
- Source classification
- Mammalia
Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.
Three things to know
- Donkeys belong to the horse family.
- Grinding teeth process fibrous plants.
- The ears are characteristically long.
Habitat and range
Domestic populations occur worldwide, particularly in agricultural and rural landscapes.
Appearance and adaptations
Long ears and an upright mane distinguish many donkeys from horses. Hooves and grinding cheek teeth support a life of terrestrial grazing.
Diet and behaviour
Donkeys select food according to season and availability. Social and territorial behaviour varies with sex, resources and whether animals are managed or free-ranging.
More photos
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Equus asinus
- A–Z Animals: Donkey · Directory entry
Explore mammals
Browse all mammalsMammals
Cow
Bos taurus
Domestic cattle are large social herbivores kept in many parts of the world.
Living
Mammals
Fallow deer
Dama dama
The fallow deer is a grazing and browsing deer often associated with woodland edges and open grass.
Living
Mammals
Goat
Capra
Goats belong to the genus Capra, which includes wild species and domestic forms.
LivingMammals
Horse
Equus ferus caballus
The domestic horse is a grazing equid with a long history alongside people.
Living
