- Donkeys are mammals in the genus Equus that resemble horses. They originated in northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula.
- Donkeys are social herd animals that inhabit warm, dry climates like deserts and grasslands. They communicate using visual and vocal signals.
- Donkeys are grazing herbivores. Females give birth to one foal annually after a 12 month gestation period. They live up to 50 years in captivity.
- Historically, donkeys have been important beasts of burden for transportation and farming. Today they continue to support economies in remote areas.
Evolution is a developmental process from simple to complex form of life. Evolution of elephant started 60mya, from size of a pig. It spread all over world especially Africa and Asia. Today only two species Loxodonta and Elephas exist.
crocodiles are the only reptiles having 4 chambered heart,flattened tail and body covered with scutes.hind limb is webbed and in this ppt you can discover all the facts about crocodile..hope you can enjoy
Evolution is a developmental process from simple to complex form of life. Evolution of elephant started 60mya, from size of a pig. It spread all over world especially Africa and Asia. Today only two species Loxodonta and Elephas exist.
crocodiles are the only reptiles having 4 chambered heart,flattened tail and body covered with scutes.hind limb is webbed and in this ppt you can discover all the facts about crocodile..hope you can enjoy
Introduction for the following
1) Specific action energy
2) Vacuum activity
3) Displacement activity
4) Models on the organization of instinctive behavior
Presentation made bya 1st ESO student in an English as a foreign language lesson. They have been studying parts of animals, where they live, what they eat...
There are main 5 classes of living echinoderms:
crinoids (sea lilies and feather stars); asteroids (STARFISH); ophiuroids (brittle stars); echinoids (SEA URCHINS, etc); and holothuroids (sea cucumbers).
Echinoderms have been well preserved as FOSSILS; all existing classes and several others now extinct were present in the Ordovician (505-438 million years ago). They may have originated in the Precambrian (over 570 million years ago).
Common name : sea lilies, Sea Stars(STARFISH), sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and brittle stars.
Habitat
Echinoderms occupy all habitats including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass and soft-bottom areas.
Except for a few species which inhabit brackish waters, all echinoderms are benthic organisms found in marine environments. Echinoderms inhabit depths ranging from shallow waters at tide lines to the deep sea.(Barnes, 1987; Brusca and Brusca, 2003; University of Alabama Center for Communication and Educational Technology, 2000; Waggoner, 1999)
Habitat Regions
• temperate
• tropical
• polar
• saltwater or marine
Aquatic Biomes
• brackish water
Other Habitat Features
• intertidal or littoral
GeoGraphy and eco-system
Geographic Range
Mainly a marine group, echinoderms are found in all the oceans. (Brusca and Brusca, 2003)
BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
• arctic ocean
• indian ocean
• atlantic ocean
• pacific ocean
• mediterranean sea
Eco-system
Sea urchins are among the main herbivores on reefs and there is usually a fine balance between the urchins and the kelp and other algae on which they graze. A diminution of the numbers of predators (otters, lobsters and fish) can result in an increase in urchin numbers causing overgrazing of kelp forests with the result that an alga-denuded "urchin barren" forms.
Work cited:
Lawrence, J. M. (1975). "On the relationships between marine plants and sea urchins". Oceanographic Marine Biological Annual Review 13: 213–286.
Ecosystem Roles
Echinoderms are usually intricate parts of their ecosystems. Many asteroids are keystone species. Sea urchins, if not controlled by predators, may overgraze their habitat. Asteroids have several commensals, including polychaetes that feed on leftovers from the sea star's prey items. (Barnes, 1987; Brusca and Brusca, 2003)
Ecosystem Impact: keystone species
Bugs bunny Colouring Pages and Kids Colouring Activitiescolouringpages
you can find these and more Bugs Bunny colouring pages on our website:
http://www.colouringbookpages.co.uk
http://www.colouringbookpages.co.uk/characters/bugs-bunny
Introduction for the following
1) Specific action energy
2) Vacuum activity
3) Displacement activity
4) Models on the organization of instinctive behavior
Presentation made bya 1st ESO student in an English as a foreign language lesson. They have been studying parts of animals, where they live, what they eat...
There are main 5 classes of living echinoderms:
crinoids (sea lilies and feather stars); asteroids (STARFISH); ophiuroids (brittle stars); echinoids (SEA URCHINS, etc); and holothuroids (sea cucumbers).
Echinoderms have been well preserved as FOSSILS; all existing classes and several others now extinct were present in the Ordovician (505-438 million years ago). They may have originated in the Precambrian (over 570 million years ago).
Common name : sea lilies, Sea Stars(STARFISH), sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and brittle stars.
Habitat
Echinoderms occupy all habitats including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass and soft-bottom areas.
Except for a few species which inhabit brackish waters, all echinoderms are benthic organisms found in marine environments. Echinoderms inhabit depths ranging from shallow waters at tide lines to the deep sea.(Barnes, 1987; Brusca and Brusca, 2003; University of Alabama Center for Communication and Educational Technology, 2000; Waggoner, 1999)
Habitat Regions
• temperate
• tropical
• polar
• saltwater or marine
Aquatic Biomes
• brackish water
Other Habitat Features
• intertidal or littoral
GeoGraphy and eco-system
Geographic Range
Mainly a marine group, echinoderms are found in all the oceans. (Brusca and Brusca, 2003)
BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONS
• arctic ocean
• indian ocean
• atlantic ocean
• pacific ocean
• mediterranean sea
Eco-system
Sea urchins are among the main herbivores on reefs and there is usually a fine balance between the urchins and the kelp and other algae on which they graze. A diminution of the numbers of predators (otters, lobsters and fish) can result in an increase in urchin numbers causing overgrazing of kelp forests with the result that an alga-denuded "urchin barren" forms.
Work cited:
Lawrence, J. M. (1975). "On the relationships between marine plants and sea urchins". Oceanographic Marine Biological Annual Review 13: 213–286.
Ecosystem Roles
Echinoderms are usually intricate parts of their ecosystems. Many asteroids are keystone species. Sea urchins, if not controlled by predators, may overgraze their habitat. Asteroids have several commensals, including polychaetes that feed on leftovers from the sea star's prey items. (Barnes, 1987; Brusca and Brusca, 2003)
Ecosystem Impact: keystone species
Bugs bunny Colouring Pages and Kids Colouring Activitiescolouringpages
you can find these and more Bugs Bunny colouring pages on our website:
http://www.colouringbookpages.co.uk
http://www.colouringbookpages.co.uk/characters/bugs-bunny
Eurostat a publié le 13 janvier 2016, un communiqué de presse sur le taux d'investissement des entreprises dans la zone euro.
Selon Eurostat, pour le troisième trimestre 2016, le taux d'investissement des entreprises dans la zone euro est en baisse à 21,9% contre 22,2% le trimestre précédent.
La part des profits des entreprises est quasi stable à 40,6% au troisième trimestre 2016 contre 40,5% au deuxième trimestre 2016.
FISH-classification, external and internal anatomy, terminologies, types of fishes, muscle anatomy, spoilage mechanism, differentiation between stale and fresh fish, different byproducts like fish meal, fish protein concentrate, fish sauce, fish oils, fish paste, fish hydrolysate with flowcharts.
A Research Paper Entitled " A Geographical Study on Equines Conservation Issues and Challenges in (EPC) NRCE, Bikaner Rajasthan " presented by Ram Avdhesh Singh* in the 44th, RGA National Conference held at S.R.L.S. Govt. College Kaladera, Jaipur Rajasthan on 6 Oct. 2016.
A Research Paper Entitled " A Geographical Study on Equines Conservation Issues and Challenges in (EPC) NRCE, Bikaner Rajasthan ", presented in the 44th, RGA National Conference at S.R.L.S. Kaladera, Jaipur Rajasthan on 6 Oct. 2016.
Description of the Red Fox
Red foxes have a long body and tail, covered in red fur. They also appear in a number of color morphs like silver, black, platinum, and more. They have black fur on their feet, the tips of their ears, and a distinctive white tuft at the end of the tail. These foxes have rather elongated muzzles, and long, sharp canine teeth.
This story is about Farm Animals. I made this story for a project.
If you read this story,the first thing is about egg layer Chickens.
Next goats. Did you know that egg layer Chickens lay about 250 to 300 eggs per year.
in this you would find amazing pictures of some rare and beautiful animals with a long simple explanation, with sound by me........... so you needn't waste time in reading, just hear and enjoy my presentation!!!
This presentation elaborates the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. It explains the causes of economic instability in Sri Lanka and the factors worsening it. Such miserable economic situation is presenting valuable lessons for other sister asian countries to counter their economic instability. Pakistan, a sister country of Sri Lanka is facing severe political and economic instability these days. Pakistan is learning from the Sri Lankan economic situation and tending to improve its economy but the extreme political instability is hurdling and exacerbating the economic crisis. However, policies are underway to counter the economic crisis and more probably Pakistan will escape the Sri Lankan experience.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Slide 1: Title Slide
Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Slide 2: Introduction to Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Definition: Extrachromosomal inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material that is not found within the nucleus.
Key Components: Involves genes located in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and plasmids.
Slide 3: Mitochondrial Inheritance
Mitochondria: Organelles responsible for energy production.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in mitochondria.
Inheritance Pattern: Maternally inherited, meaning it is passed from mothers to all their offspring.
Diseases: Examples include Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial myopathy.
Slide 4: Chloroplast Inheritance
Chloroplasts: Organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plants.
Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA): Circular DNA molecule found in chloroplasts.
Inheritance Pattern: Often maternally inherited in most plants, but can vary in some species.
Examples: Variegation in plants, where leaf color patterns are determined by chloroplast DNA.
Slide 5: Plasmid Inheritance
Plasmids: Small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria and some eukaryotes.
Features: Can carry antibiotic resistance genes and can be transferred between cells through processes like conjugation.
Significance: Important in biotechnology for gene cloning and genetic engineering.
Slide 6: Mechanisms of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Non-Mendelian Patterns: Do not follow Mendel’s laws of inheritance.
Cytoplasmic Segregation: During cell division, organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts are randomly distributed to daughter cells.
Heteroplasmy: Presence of more than one type of organellar genome within a cell, leading to variation in expression.
Slide 7: Examples of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Four O’clock Plant (Mirabilis jalapa): Shows variegated leaves due to different cpDNA in leaf cells.
Petite Mutants in Yeast: Result from mutations in mitochondrial DNA affecting respiration.
Slide 8: Importance of Extrachromosomal Inheritance
Evolution: Provides insight into the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
Medicine: Understanding mitochondrial inheritance helps in diagnosing and treating mitochondrial diseases.
Agriculture: Chloroplast inheritance can be used in plant breeding and genetic modification.
Slide 9: Recent Research and Advances
Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are being used to edit mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA.
Therapies: Development of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) for preventing mitochondrial diseases.
Slide 10: Conclusion
Summary: Extrachromosomal inheritance involves the transmission of genetic material outside the nucleus and plays a crucial role in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
Future Directions: Continued research and technological advancements hold promise for new treatments and applications.
Slide 11: Questions and Discussion
Invite Audience: Open the floor for any questions or further discussion on the topic.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
Cancer cell metabolism: special Reference to Lactate PathwayAADYARAJPANDEY1
Normal Cell Metabolism:
Cellular respiration describes the series of steps that cells use to break down sugar and other chemicals to get the energy we need to function.
Energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and when glucose is broken down, much of that energy is released.
Cell utilize energy in the form of ATP.
The first step of respiration is called glycolysis. In a series of steps, glycolysis breaks glucose into two smaller molecules - a chemical called pyruvate. A small amount of ATP is formed during this process.
Most healthy cells continue the breakdown in a second process, called the Kreb's cycle. The Kreb's cycle allows cells to “burn” the pyruvates made in glycolysis to get more ATP.
The last step in the breakdown of glucose is called oxidative phosphorylation (Ox-Phos).
It takes place in specialized cell structures called mitochondria. This process produces a large amount of ATP. Importantly, cells need oxygen to complete oxidative phosphorylation.
If a cell completes only glycolysis, only 2 molecules of ATP are made per glucose. However, if the cell completes the entire respiration process (glycolysis - Kreb's - oxidative phosphorylation), about 36 molecules of ATP are created, giving it much more energy to use.
IN CANCER CELL:
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
Unlike healthy cells that "burn" the entire molecule of sugar to capture a large amount of energy as ATP, cancer cells are wasteful.
Cancer cells only partially break down sugar molecules. They overuse the first step of respiration, glycolysis. They frequently do not complete the second step, oxidative phosphorylation.
This results in only 2 molecules of ATP per each glucose molecule instead of the 36 or so ATPs healthy cells gain. As a result, cancer cells need to use a lot more sugar molecules to get enough energy to survive.
introduction to WARBERG PHENOMENA:
WARBURG EFFECT Usually, cancer cells are highly glycolytic (glucose addiction) and take up more glucose than do normal cells from outside.
Otto Heinrich Warburg (; 8 October 1883 – 1 August 1970) In 1931 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his "discovery of the nature and mode of action of the respiratory enzyme.
WARNBURG EFFECT : cancer cells under aerobic (well-oxygenated) conditions to metabolize glucose to lactate (aerobic glycolysis) is known as the Warburg effect. Warburg made the observation that tumor slices consume glucose and secrete lactate at a higher rate than normal tissues.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
PRESENTATION ABOUT PRINCIPLE OF COSMATIC EVALUATION
Classification donkey
1. Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum chordata
Sub phylum vertebrata
Super class gnathostomata
Class mammalia
Sub class theria
Infra class eutherian
Order perissodactyla
Family equidae
Genus equus
Species equus asinus
Geographic Range True wild asses are found only in northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula, but domesticated and feral
donkeys can now be found in all parts of the world. The native range extends from Morocco to Somalia and Mesopotamia to Oman.
Habitat Domestic donkeys are widely distributed and can be found almost everywhere in the world. However, true wild
asses originated in the hilly, undulating deserts of northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula and are well-adapted for life in the
desert. Domestic donkeys prefer warm, dry climates and, if left to become feral, they will return to such a habitat, like the feral
burros of Death Valley National Park in California. Deserts are characterized by low, unpredictable rainfall and sparse veget ation.
Habitat Regions= temperate terrestrial Terrestrial Biomes desert or dune savanna or grassland
Physical Description Donkeys resemble horses and are characterized by their large head,long ears, and cow-like tail.
They come in black, white, paint, and all shades of brown and gray, but the most common is a mousy gray color called gray dun.
Many donkeys are spotted, speckled, or striped. Most solid-color donkeys have a dark dorsal stripe from mane to tail and a dark
stripe across their shoulders.They have an erect mane and lack the forelock of a horse. Their hair can be straight, curly, short and
wiry, or long and wooly. Wild asses average 200 cm in body length, 45 cm in tail length, 125 cm at the shoulder, and weight 250
kg. Domestic breed size varies greatly depending on breed. Miniatures, the smallest breed of donkeys,stand less than 36 inches (92
cm) at the shoulder and weigh less than 400 pounds (180 kg). Standard donkeys,the average-sized breed, range from 36 inches to
48 inches (92 cm to 123 cm) and weigh 400 to 500 pounds (180 to 225 kg). Mammoth stock, the largest breed of donkeys,stand at
an average height of 56 inches (143 cm) and weigh about 950 pounds (430 kg). Miniature and mammoth stockdonkeys have been
bred by humans to possess certain characteristics that are more desirable or suitable for specific purposes.For example, miniature
donkeys are often preferred as pets because their small size makes them easier to care for, and the larger mammoth stock donkeys
are strongerwork animals than standard donkeys are. There is generally very little sexual dimorphism in donkeys.Wild asses have
the longest and narrowest hooves of any Equus species. Other Physical Features endothermic homoiothermic bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism sexes alike
Reproduction Smaller herds of wild asses are generally made up of one male and several females. Larger herds have
multiple males and females. There don't seem to be any permanent bonds among individuals, herds are highly flexible, breaking up
and reforming on an almost daily basis.Dominant male wild asses sometimes defend large territories in which many potential mates
are also found. Subordinate males are also tolerated within the dominant male's territory. Mating Systempolygynous
Domesticated donkeys can be bred at any time of year, wild asses generally breed in the wet season.The gestation period is usually
12 months, and foals weigh between 19 and 30 pounds (8.6 to 13.6 kg) at birth. Donkey foals are fully developed at birth and can
usually stand and nurse about 30 minutes after birth. The young are weaned from the mother at about 5 months of age. Females
reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age and can give birth to one foal each year after that. Males may reach sexual maturity as early
as 2 years old but are more likely to become dominant enough to control mating at 3 to 4 years old. Members of the genus Equus
can often interbreed to produce hybrids. Donkeys can be bred with horses and zebras to produce sterile hybrids. A cross betwe en a
male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare) produces a mule. A cross between a female donkey (jennet or jenny) and a male horse
(stallion) produces a hinny. A cross between a zebra and a donkey produces a zebrass or a zonkey. Female wild asses nurse and care
for their young until they are weaned at about 5 months old. Young wild asses are capable of standing and following their mothers
within a few hours of birth. Parental Investment no parental involvement precocial pre-fertilization protecting female pre-
hatching/birth provisioning female protecting female pre-weaning/fledging provisioning female protecting female pre-
independence provisioning female protecting female
Lifespan/Longevity The average life span of a wild donkey is 25 to 30 years, but in captivity they can live to be 40 to 50
years old.
Behavior Donkeys are social animals. They are most active in the morning and evening, resting during the heat of the day.
In the wild they travel in herds of several individuals to up to one hundred individuals, with an average group size of 4.7 animals.
Donkeys are observant and cautious animals. They will refuse to do anything that seems dangerous to them. This behavior has
earned the donkey its reputation for being stubborn,but actually, domestic donkeys are very obedient animals and will not refuse
any reasonable order. When a donkey is startled by something, it usually will not run blindly in fear. Its natural instinct is to freeze
or run a few steps,then look to see what frightened it. This is unlike the behavior of horses, which tend to panic and "bolt" when
frightened. Domestic donkeys interact well with other livestock animals such as horses, cows, goats, sheep, and llamas. Donkeys
are passive by nature, but will aggressively protect their young,and can be trained to protect sheep and goats as well. Donkey s will
not hesitate to attack and trample large dogs or even humans if they perceive the animal to be a threat. Standard size domestic
2. donkeys are useful for halter-breaking young calves and foals. By giving the donkey the job of training the animals, the calf or foal
will be more inclined to trust a human, since they do not associate the unpleasant training experience with the human. Donkeys are
used as companions for weaned foals and for nervous,injured, or recovering animals. They have a calming, soothing effect on the
animals and help to reduce the stress of traumatic situations. Donkeys are also being used as companion animals in recreational
riding programs for children and for mentally and physically handicapped people.Their affectionate, calm, patient dispositio n make
them ideal for use as a companion animal for other livestock and people. (Honolulu Zoo, 2000; Nowak, 1997; Oklahoma State
University, 1996a; Oklahoma State University, 1996b; Rachau, 1996)
Communication and Perception Wild asses use visual displays, smells, physical contact, and vocalizations to
communicate. They have keen hearing and good senses of vision and smell.
Food Habits Donkeys are grazing herbivores, with large, flat-surfaced teeth adapted for tearing and chewing plant
matter. Their primary food is grass, but they also eat other shrubs and desert plants. Like many other grazing animals, they grasp
the plant first with their muscular lips, pull it into their mouth, and then tear it off with their teeth. In a study of feral donkeys in
Arizona, they were found to eat 33% forbs and 40% browse. (Nowak, 1997)
Predation Living in groups increases the number of animals keeping an eye out for predators. Most predation probably
occurs on foals and elderly animals. Predators on wild donkeys may have included lions and wolves.
Ecosystem Roles Wild donkeys impact desert vegetation through their grazing and browsing.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Since donkeys were first domesticated about six thousand years ago,
they have been very important in human economies. Egyptian tombs of Dynasty IV (ca. 2675 to 2565 B.C.) indicate that ownership
of donkeys was a status symbol, and the elite of society may have owned herds of over a thousand head. Donkeys played a very
important role in developing long-distance trade in Egypt, because of their weight-bearing capacity and their adaptation for desert
travel. In ancient Egypt, female donkeys were kept as dairy animals. Donkey milk is higher in sugarand protein than cow's milk.
The milk was also used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Donkey meat was eaten as food by many people. There were
domesticated donkeys in Europe by the second millenium B.C. and the first donkeys came to the New World with Christopher
Columbus in 1495. Donkeys were introduced to the United States with Mexican explorers. Many of the wild donkeys in the
southwestern United States are descendants ofescaped or abandoned burros brought by Mexican explorers during the Gold Rush.
Throughout history donkeys have been invaluable as beasts of burden. Even today, donkeys are of great economic importance
especially in remote areas. They are being used extensively in efforts to boost the economy and alleviate poverty in poorer areas of
the world. Miniature donkeys are very popular as companion animals and for show. Mammoth stockare still used as draft animals
in small farming businesses around the world.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative The cost of population control of feral donkeys in North America
and Europe have been appreciable in some areas. Feral donkeys may contribute to habitat degradation and erosion, particularly in
areas where they are not native. (Phillips and The Wild Burro Rescue and Preservation Project, 1999)
Conservation Status Although the future of wild and feral donkeys is uncertain, domestic donkeys are not in danger of
extinction in the foreseeable future. However, donkey lovers in the United States and Europe have founded many organizations
dedicated to the rescue, preservation, and care of wild, abandoned,or unwanted donkeys.Feral donkeys in Death Valley Nation al
Park, California, were under strict population control for many years because they were competing with desert bighorn sheep for
very limited resources.Many authorities felt that donkeys were driving the already threatened bighorn sheep to extinction, a nd about
400 wild donkeys were shot between 1987 and 1995 by National Park Service Rangers as part of their "Direct Reduction" policy.