Habitat Zone: Nugaal

Summary: The Somali wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis), native to the arid regions of Somalia, particularly the northeastern regions such as Puntland and Somaliland. The Somali wild ass is an herbivore adapted to survive in a seemingly barren landscape. Its narrow hooves give it more stable footing over the stony ground. The Somali wild ass is mainly concentrated on the Nugaal valley and surrounding rocky savannah off the valley. A total of 150 -200 are recorded in Nugaal valley, particularly the rural areas near Dangorayo and Taleh districts. 2021, 21 were recorded in Hawd zone, particularly the areas near to Burtinle district, these assess are believed to migrated from the Nugaal valley to these areas due to high grassing availability and limited presence of other herds. None of the 21 recorded in Hawd zone in 2021 were seen in 2022, and all are believed to died as result of the drought and extreme water scarcity in this area or migrated to elsewhere.

Reasons of decline: Growth of hyena population increases hunting of the Somali wild ass