European wild ass (SciiFii)

The European wild ass (Equus hydruntinus or Equus hemionus hydruntinus), also known as the European ass, the European wild burro, the European burro, the European wild donkey, the European donkey, the European onager, the European hemione, and simply the hydruntine, is a species of wild horse of the family Equidae (horse family), and is a member of the subgenus Asinus. The European wild ass originally lived the Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene of Western Eurasia and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced throughout the semi-arid and steppe environments across Europe to help boost biodiversity. Larger than the Asiatic onagers (Equus hemionus), the European wild ass reaches the average length of around 1.7 and 2 meters (5.5-6.5 feet) in length, 115-130 centimeters (45-51 inches) in height, and weigh between 140-230 kilograms (308-507 lbs). The European wild asses' diet consists of grasses, bark, and leaves. Despite being primarily adapted for living in an semi-arid climates, they are dependent on water, and when not receiving the needed moisture from vegetation, they must drink at least once every three days. However, they can survive on a surprisingly small amount of liquid, and have been reported to drink salty or brackish water. The European wild ass is primarily active between late afternoon and early morning, seeking shade and shelter amongst the rocky hills during the day. The European wild ass is also very agile and nimble-footed, capable of moving quickly across fields and in the mountains. On the flat, it has been recorded reaching speeds of 70 km/h (43 mph). In keeping with these feats, its soles are particularly hard and its hooves grow very quickly. Mature males defend large territories around 23 square kilometres in size, marking them with dung heaps – an essential marker in the flat, monotonous terrain. Due to the size of these ranges, the dominant male cannot exclude other males. Rather, intruders are tolerated – recognized and treated as subordinates, and kept as far away as possible from any of the resident females. In the presence of estrous females, the males bray loudly. These animals live in loose herds of up to fifty individuals. European wild asses can run swiftly, almost as fast as a horse. However, unlike most hoofed mammals, their tendency is to not flee right away from a potentially dangerous situation, but to investigate first before deciding what to do. When they need to, they can defend themselves with kicks from both their front and hind legs. In the wild, breeding of European wild ass occurs in spring. Gestation period lasts for 11 to 12 months, given birth one foal from October to February. The foal weans for 6 to 8-month after birth, reaching sexual maturity 2 years after birth. Lifespan is up to 40 years in captivity. The conservation status of the European wild ass is Near Threatened due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the European wild ass is a protected species.