The ecology of a free-living population of the ass (Equus africanus) at Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka

摘要: Abstract The ass was introduced into Sri Lanka many centuries ago, probably from north-eastern Africa by Arab traders, and became a conspicuous member of the herbivore fauna north-western coastal areas island. Now devalued as ‘beast burden' internal combustion engine, it survives few small isolated populations. A study population at Kalpitiya near Puttalam started in 1995. Its members resemble wild Nubian subspecies ( Equus africanus ) closely their external features. Monthly counts using road-strip method indicate density 16.8 per km 2 social structure (a) family units usually consisting one male with or more females young, (b) groups bachelor males (c) males. Feeding occupies greater part daylight hours: mating foaling occur throughout year. About 85% is adult thus aged three years more. Vertical sections cementum base upper M1 teeth sample collected skulls suggest an annual increment about 0.2 mm which includes two ‘dark' layers perhaps formed during dry seasons. On this interpretation maximum longevity would be 45 years. forms important biological diversity zone appears to excellently adapted inhabit marginal habitat without over-exploiting it. survival has been threatened particularly loss due indiscriminate development prawn farms (which also destroy mangrove forests), now resettlement refugees civil conflict northern eastern Lanka, potentially ill considered over ambitious tourist developments. As least rare breed species feral relict, possibly genetically little modified form subspecies, close extinction its native land, urgent need management protection based on conservation habitat.