x THIBETAN KIANG 243 
different distribution; it is confined to the high tablelands of 
Thibet at an elevation of 15,000 feet and upwards. In correla- 
tion with this habitat it has a thicker and more “ furry ” coat, 
which is, moreover, of a darker shade than that of the Onager. 
This coat is shed in the summer, and replaced by one which is 
not so dark in hue. It is an interesting fact that the African 
Wild Asses approach to the zebra type in having at least traces of 
stripings. There are apparently two species. The best known, 
Fig. 126.—Nubian Wild Ass. Equus africanus. x sy. 
the Nubian Ass, #. africanus, is probably the parent of the 
domestic donkey. It has a dorsal longitudinal stripe, and 
another across the shoulder—in legend the marks of the Saviour. 
The matter of the name of this Ass seems difficult to decide. It 
has been called also #. asinus and EH. taeniopus. Tt has been 
observed that this animal has a great aversion to water, and a 
delight in rolling in the dust—both of which characteristics 
argue a desert existence. But on the other hand the Kiang 
will plunge boldly into streams, yet it would seem to be the 
descendant of a purely desert form. The Ass is a longer-lived 
