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Conservation Status
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Although the species itself isn't under any threat of extinction, due to the abundant amount of their domestic versions, the two wild subspecies are listed as critically endangered. African Wild asses have been captured for domestication for centuries and along with interbreeding between domestic animals, has caused a very distinct decline in population numbers. These animals are also hunted for food in both Ethiopia and Somalia. Competition with domestic livestock for grazing, and restricted access to water supplies caused by agricultural developments pose even more threats to their existence. The African Wild ass is legally protected in the countries that it is found in but it is very difficult to enforce those laws. A protected population of the Somali wild ass exists in the Yotvata Hai Bar Nature Reserve in Israel, to the north of Eilat. This reserve was established in 1968 with the hope to bolster population growth of endangered desert species. Populations of horses and species like them are fairly resilient and if the species is properly protected, it may well recover from its current low.
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