Equus hemionus kulan

(Groves & Mazak, 1967)

Vernacular names

English : Turkmen Kulan
French : Kulan

Classification

Class : Mammalia
Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known and a 4th one is extinct.

Identification

Body length of 2.50 m, shoulder height 1.30 m and weight up to 260 kg. Broader hooves than for other wild asses. Hair coloration is light beige brown with white area around nose, breast and belly. Short dark mane.

Range and habitat

This subspecies occurs in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The species is also found from Mongolia to China, in western India and in Iran. Lives in arid grasslands and semi desertic areas.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species was treated as endangered but many populations have recovered because of legal protection and breeding programs. Still uncommon.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe