The Asiatic Wild Ass ( Equus hemionus ) moved from Vulnerable to Endangered in 2008
Posted by Amir Jafary on December 27 2008 02:32:24
The Asiatic Wild Ass ( Equus hemionus ) moved from Vulnerable to Endangered in 2008 because it is estimated to have declined by more than 50% over the past 16 years, and it continuing to decline.
Extended News
The Asiatic Wild Ass ( Equus hemionus ) moved from Vulnerable to Endangered in 2008 because it is estimated to have declined by more than 50% over the past 16 years, and it continuing to decline. In historic times, this species was widespread across Asia, from China in the East, to Turkey in the West. By the 19th century, their range had declined significantly, and today the most abundant population occurs in the southern part of Mongolia and adjacent northern China, with smaller, isolated, wild and reintroduced populations scattered around its former range. One subspecies, the Syrian Wild Ass (E. h. hemippus) is now Extinct. A suite of human-caused threats have resulted in the decline of this species, including habitat loss as human settlements and agriculture expand, competition with livestock for food and habitat, and poaching. The species is now susceptible to outbreaks of disease and drought which can quickly cause catastrophic declines in the remaining small and isolated populations. Photo © Jean-Christophe Vié.