174 THE LIVING ANIMALS OF THE WORLD 
whilst on the other hand it has numerous markings both on the front and hind legs. Naturalists 
are, however, agreed that, although there may be certain small differences in the colour and 
markings of the wild asses found in different localities of Northern Africa, such variations are 
of no specific value, and only one species is recognised. 
The AFRICAN WILD ASS is a fine animal, standing between 13 and 14 hands at the shoulder, 
It lives in small herds or families of four or five individuals, and is not found in mountainous 
districts, but frequents low stony hills and arid desert-wastes. It is as a general rule an 
alert animal and difficult to approach, and so fleet and enduring that, excepting in the case 
of foals and mares heavy in young, it cannot be overtaken even by a well-mounted horseman. 
Notwithstanding the scanty nature of the herbage in the districts they frequent, these desert- 
bred asses are always in good condition. They travel long distances to water at night, but 
appear to require to drink regularly. Their flesh is eaten by the natives of the Soudan. The 
bray of the African wild ass is said to be indistinguishable from that of the domesticated 
animal, which latter is undoubtedly descended from the wild African breed. 
In Asia three varieties of the wild ass are found, which were formerly believed to 
represent three distinct species; but since the points of difference between these varying forms 
do not appear to be of specific value, all the local races of the Asiatic wild ass are now 
considered to belong to one species. 
These wild asses have a wide range, and are met with in the deserts of Asia from 
Syria to Persia and Western India, and northwards throughout the more arid portions of 
Central Asia. 
In Tibet and Mongolia the wild ass inhabits the high mountain-plateaux, and lives at 
elevations of 14,000 feet and upwards above the sea. This local race, know as the KIANG, 
approaches in size to the African wild ass, standing 13 hands at the shoulder. It is dark 
reddish brown in colour, with a very narrow dorsal stripe. The ONAGER of Western India 
and Baluchistan is a smaller and lighter-coloured animal, with a broader stripe down the 
back. In parts of its range it is found at sea-level. In Persia and Syria a third local race 
of wild ass is found, which, however, differs from the two forms already enumerated in no 
essential particular. 
Like their African congeners, the wild asses of Asia are inhabitants of the waste places 
of the earth, frequenting desert plains and wind-swept steppes. They are said to be so fleet 
and enduring that, except in the case of a mare heavy with foal, they cannot be overtaken 
by a single horseman. 
The wild asses of the 
desert plains of India and 
Persia are said to be very wary 
and difficult to approach, but 
the kiang of Tibet is always 
spoken of as a much more 
confiding animal, its curiosity 
being so great that it will 
frequently approach to within 
a short distance of any un- 
familiar object, such as a 
Bie) i 8=6 sportsman engaged in stalking 
other game. ; 
Asiatic wild asses usually 
’ i live in small families of four 
Photo by F. W. McLellan . 7 - or five, but sometimes congre- 
BALUCHI WILD ASS gate in herds. Their food 
This is one of the three leading varieties of the Asiatic wild ass. It is found in Western India consists of Vatlous Era2268 oi 
and Baluchistan the low-lying portions of their 
