Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) Status, Threats and Future Conservation Needs

The Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) is found throughout Central Asia ranging from Mongolia and China to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, India and Israel. The only large population is found in Mongolia and the other populations are fragmented and relatively small. In the recent past some small populations have been extirpated. Some Asiatic wild ass populations are migratory and the development of roads, railways and pipelines can restrict movements, and increase the loss of habitat and fragmentation. Climate change will potentially further exacerbate the impact of development and fragmentation on Asiatic wild ass survival and conservation. The IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group will present an overview of the status of Asiatic wild ass, current and future threats, and how range wide and trans boundary cooperation in management and conservation could mitigate threats and maintain and improve natural ecosystems for people and Asiatic wild ass.