All Creatures Podcast

Episode 358: Somali Wild Ass Nearly Gone


Listen Later

This week we are releasing an older episode on a species that is near and dear to both our hearts and that is the Somali Wild Ass. We will be getting back to bringing you new species here very quickly, however life is throwing both of us curve balls right now. Angie is having to rush off to be with family and Chris will be making an announcement next week on a new endeavor he is working on and you will be interested in. However, the All Creatures Podcast is our passion and love. We have a slate of incredible animals coming your way very soon!

In this episode, we'll embark on a journey to discover the African wild ass, an often-overlooked and critically endangered species. Join us as we delve into their history, habitat, and the challenges they face in the modern world.

The African Wild Ass: A Living Fossil

The African wild ass (Equus africanus) is a fascinating species with a rich history. It's often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its close genetic relationship with the domestic donkey. These remarkable creatures have existed for millennia, their origins dating back to the African continent. However, despite their historical significance, the African wild ass remains one of the least-known and most endangered equid species.

African wild asses are primarily found in arid regions of northeastern Africa, such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. These areas are characterized by vast open savannas and deserts, where these hardy animals have evolved to thrive in harsh conditions. They are known for their adaptability to arid climates and are capable of surviving on minimal water, making them uniquely suited to their environment.

Despite their resilience, African wild asses face numerous challenges. Habitat loss, competition with livestock, and hunting are some of the key threats to their survival. Additionally, their limited population size and genetic diversity put them at greater risk. Conservation efforts, such as the establishment of protected areas and breeding programs, are essential to ensure the survival of this species.

The Importance of Preservation

Preserving the African wild ass is not only crucial for the sake of biodiversity but also for the ecological balance of their native habitats. These animals play a role in seed dispersal and habitat maintenance. Furthermore, they hold cultural and historical significance in many regions, serving as a symbol of local identity. In this episode, we've explored the African wild ass, shedding light on this often-overlooked species. As we continue to learn more about their importance in the ecosystem and their historical significance, it becomes ever more critical to support conservation efforts aimed at ensuring their survival. Join us in appreciating and preserving the unique African wild ass.

------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

All Creatures PodcastBy All Creatures Podcast

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

500 ratings


More shows like All Creatures Podcast

View all
Big Picture Science by Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science

941 Listeners

Living Planet by DW

Living Planet

131 Listeners

Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,969 Listeners

Useless Information Podcast by Airwave Media Podcast Network

Useless Information Podcast

1,787 Listeners

Stuff You Should Know by iHeartPodcasts

Stuff You Should Know

77,846 Listeners

MonsterTalk by Blake Smith

MonsterTalk

1,115 Listeners

Ben Franklin's World by Liz Covart

Ben Franklin's World

1,556 Listeners

Kickass News by Airwave Media

Kickass News

1,274 Listeners

Outside/In by NHPR

Outside/In

1,460 Listeners

Nature Guys by Nature Guys

Nature Guys

520 Listeners

TRIVIALITY - A Trivia Game Show Podcast by Triviality Podcast

TRIVIALITY - A Trivia Game Show Podcast

540 Listeners

In Defense of Plants Podcast by In Defense of Plants

In Defense of Plants Podcast

1,217 Listeners

Ologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Ologies with Alie Ward

23,778 Listeners

The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong by Mark Chrisler

The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong

865 Listeners

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week by Popular Science

The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week

2,160 Listeners

Earn & Invest by Jordan Grumet (Doc G)

Earn & Invest

435 Listeners

A Mindful Moment by A Mindful Moment

A Mindful Moment

335 Listeners

The Wild with Chris Morgan by KUOW News and Information

The Wild with Chris Morgan

3,259 Listeners

Just the Zoo of Us by Ellen & Christian Weatherford

Just the Zoo of Us

465 Listeners

Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages by Kyle Wood

Who Arted: Weekly Art History for All Ages

112 Listeners

The Team House by dee takos

The Team House

1,671 Listeners

Movie Therapy with Rafer & Kristen by Kristen Meinzer

Movie Therapy with Rafer & Kristen

656 Listeners

Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro by Katie Ferraro

Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro

1,443 Listeners

The Science of Birds by Ivan Phillipsen

The Science of Birds

834 Listeners

Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant by PBS Nature

Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant

658 Listeners

Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast

191 Listeners

Art Smart by Kyle Wood

Art Smart

35 Listeners

Culture Kids by Culture Kids Productions

Culture Kids

183 Listeners

Rainbow Puppy Science Lab by Atticus & Kyle

Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

45 Listeners

Mystery of Everything by Gabriella Rozefort and Brenna Hatter

Mystery of Everything

67 Listeners

From Beneath the Hollywood Sign by Steve Cubine & Nan McNamara

From Beneath the Hollywood Sign

233 Listeners

Bytes of Health by @bytesofhealth

Bytes of Health

12 Listeners

Smologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Smologies with Alie Ward

328 Listeners