Persian Onager
Equus hemionus onager

WILD STATUS
Critically endangered.
DISTRIBUTION
Iran and currently introduced to Saudi Arabia.
SIZE
Height: Approximately 100-142 cm (3’3” to 4’7” at the shoulder).
Weight: 200-260 kg (440-575 lbs).
HABITAT
Semi-desert areas.
REPRODUCTION
One foal born after a gestation of approximately 11 months.
DIET
Grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Onagers are capable of living in regions that can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. By contrast, they can also survive bitterly cold temperatures due to growing a thick, curly coat in winter.
- They are thought to be the world’s fastest equid, able to run at high speeds for long periods of time.
- The Onager’s relatives are the African wild ass, ancestors of domestic donkeys.
- This species has never been domesticated.
- Poaching for meat and habitat loss for domestic livestock, competition for water, and removal of shrubs are the main threats to this species survival.

ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and also get a full page photo of the Persian Onager click here for a PDF.
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