What makes donkeys different? These small, long-eared equines are hardy and useful in rural areas, and evolved from the desert donkeys of the Sahara.

The article focuses on donkeys, the long-eared equines that are hardy and useful in rural areas and evolved from the desert donkeys of the Sahara. Topics discussed include genetic-based research about all donkeys in the world, the Nubian wild ass as the donkey's most probable ancestor according to genetic testing, and the use of donkeys for milk production in the south-western part of Botswana.