Donkey
Equus asinus
The donkey or ass is a domesticated equine. It derives from the African wild ass, Equus africanus, and may be classified either as a subspecies thereof, Equus africanus asinus, or as a separate species, Equus asinus.
109
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Justyn Stahl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Justyn Stahl
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Perissodactyla
Family
Equidae
Genus
Equus
Donkey belongs to the family Equidae, order Perissodactyla, within the Mammalia class.
Species Profile
The donkey or ass is a domesticated equine. It derives from the African wild ass, Equus africanus, and may be classified either as a subspecies thereof, Equus africanus asinus, or as a separate species, Equus asinus. It was domesticated in Africa some 5000–7000 years ago, and has been used mainly as a working animal since that time.
About 41 million donkeys were reported worldwide in 2006. Some researchers believe the actual number may be somewhat higher since many donkeys go uncounted.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
About 41 million donkeys were reported worldwide in 2006. Some researchers believe the actual number may be somewhat higher since many donkeys go uncounted.
Habitat loss and degradation
Hunting for meat and traditional medicine
Hybridization with domestic donkeys
Competition with livestock for resources
Political instability and warfare in range countries
Found in 109 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Donkey (Equus asinus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/donkey