Dziggetai

Dziggetai (Equus hemionus), a species of wild ass, more horse-like than the others. It is probably the hemionus ('half-ass') of Herodotus and Pliny. It inhabits the elevated steppes of Tartary, extending into the south of Siberia and to the borders of India. The Dziggetai lives in small herds, sometimes of several males and several females, sometimes of a single male with about twenty females and foals. The Mongols and Tungûs hunt it eagerly on account of its flesh, but its fleetness, watchfulness, and power of endurance often secure its safety. It has been partly domesticated, but does not seem to breed in captivity. It is also known by the names of Kiang, Khur, and Goor. See Ass.