kulans

The kulan, also known as the Asiatic wild ass, is a species of wild ass native to Central Asia. Historically, kulans ranged across vast areas of steppe and desert from the eastern Caspian Sea to Mongolia. Today, their populations are fragmented and significantly reduced from their historic levels. They are members of the Equidae family, closely related to horses and donkeys.

Kulan are medium-sized equids, typically standing around 1.2 to 1.4 meters (4 to 4.5 feet) at the shoulder and weighing between 200 and 290 kilograms (440 to 640 pounds). Their coat color varies seasonally, often a sandy brown in summer, lightening to a paler shade in winter. They possess a distinctive dark dorsal stripe running down their back and often exhibit a lighter shoulder stripe. Their legs are relatively long and slender, adapted for running across open terrain.

These animals are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses and sedges, and also consuming shrubs and herbs. They are well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, capable of surviving with limited water sources. Kulans are social animals, typically living in herds that can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred, especially around water sources or during migration. Their conservation status is a significant concern, with populations threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and competition with domestic livestock. Conservation efforts are underway in several countries to protect and restore their populations.