Onager

Two out of six subspecies were hunted to extinction: the European & Syrian wild ass

MathKnight and Zachi Evenor

Also known as the Asiatic wild ass, it is a large mammal found in the deserts and grasslands of Iran, India, and other parts of Central Asia. They are a member of the horse family, Equidae, and are known for their distinctive stripes on their legs and back.

Onagers are herbivores and feed on grasses and other vegetation. They are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance of vegetation in their habitat. However, habitat loss and hunting have had a significant impact on their populations.

The Onager is currently classified as endangered, with only a few thousand individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and captive breeding programs, are important in ensuring the survival of this majestic animal.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
Official estimate
EX
Last sighting 1927
Armenia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 17th century
Azerbaijan
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 17th century
China
5,000
Official estimate
NT
2015
Georgia
Official estimate
EX
Last sighting 1938
India
6,000
Official estimate
NT
2015
Iran
<600
Official estimate
EN
2015
Iraq
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 1927
Israel
<500
Official estimate
EN
2019
Reintroduced
Jordan
Official estimate
EX
Last killed 1927
Kazakhstan
3,900
Official estimate
EN
2015
Reintroduced
Kuwait
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 1927
Kyrgyzstan
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 1927
Lebanon
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 1927
Mongolia
42,000
Official estimate
NT
2015
Pakistan
2015
Presence Uncertain
Russia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct locally
Saudi Arabia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 17th century
Syria
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 1927
Tajikistan
Official estimate
EX
Extinct locally
Turkey
Official estimate
EX
Extinct locally
Turkmenistan
1,295-1,345
Official estimate
EN
2015
Ukraine
Official estimate
EX
Extinct locally
Uzbekistan
98
Official estimate
NT
2015
Reintroduced

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No