ANIMALS | PROGRAMS | NEWS | MEMBERS & DONORS | ADOPT AN ANIMAL | VISITS | ABOUT US | KIDS ZONE | SHOP | HOME

Persian Onager
Equus hemionus onager

persian_onager.jpg













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.
HABITAT RANGE
persian_onager_map.gif

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.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Home
COPYRIGHT 2007 MOUNTAIN VIEW CONSERVATORY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.