
Photo: Faiyaz Hawawala · CC BY-SA 3.0
Equus hemionus
Diet
Perennial grasses, herbs, and bark
Habitat
Flat desert, semidesert, and steppe near permanent water
Range
China, Mongolia, Russia, Iran, and India
Litter size
1 foal
Gestation period
11–12 months
Size
1.98–2.44 m long; shoulder height 1–1.4 m
Weight
200–260 kg
The kulan, or Asian wild ass, is a compact equid with short legs, small feet, and a shoulder height of approximately 1–1.4 m. Its coat changes from reddish brown in summer to paler yellow-brown in winter, while the underside remains white or buff. A thick black dorsal stripe edged with white runs along the back. Adults measure about 1.98–2.44 m long and weigh 200–260 kg. (Animal Diversity Web)
Kulans occupy flat desert, semidesert, and steppe in China, Mongolia, Russia, Iran, and India, generally remaining within 30 km of permanent water. These social, territorial equids can run at approximately 69 km/h. They feed entirely on plant material, particularly perennial grasses, herbs, and bark. Stallions may remain with mares and foals throughout the year and cooperate in predator defense. A single foal follows a gestation lasting eleven to twelve months. (Animal Diversity Web)