In this week's podcast, Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the fascinating world of equids (horses, donkeys, and mules), discussing their significant roles across various continents and countries. He draws on insights from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) data, emphasizing the global importance and impact of these remarkable creatures.

Key Points Covered:
1. Equid Distribution Worldwide:

Donkeys’ Global Impact: Dr. Mortensen shares the eye-opening statistics about donkeys and their contribution to people's livelihoods, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where they are essential for economic activities.
Presence of Horses: A detailed breakdown of the equine population worldwide, reflecting over 60 million horses, 50 million donkeys, and 8 million mules, with a significant presence in various regions.

2. FAO Data and Population Estimations:

Dr. Mortensen highlights the challenges in precisely estimating equid populations due to unregistered animals and varying reporting mechanisms by countries.
Countries like Australia and New Zealand might have underestimated populations, showcasing discrepancies in reported figures, emphasizing the need for more accurate reporting.

3. Equid Density per 1,000 People:

Reflecting on the density of equids in different regions per 1,000 people over time, Dr. Mortensen illustrates a noticeable increase compared to a century ago.
Notable regions like North and Latin America demonstrate a significant surge in equine presence per 1,000 people.

4. Breakdown by Continents and Countries:

Detailed insights into equid populations across Asia, South America, North America, Africa, Europe, and Oceania, highlighting the regions with the largest equine populations.
Dr. Mortensen provides information on key countries and their equid counts, demonstrating the cultural significance of horses and donkeys globally.

5. Specific Focus on Horses, Donkeys, and Mules in Different Regions:

Detailed breakdown of equid populations in various countries, emphasizing their impact on culture and livelihoods.
Notable mentions: Mexico's significant horse population, the rise of donkeys in Africa, and Europe's surprising equid count.

6. Wild Equids:

Discussion about wild equids such as zebras and wild asses, outlining the endangered species and their populations in different regions.
Special focus on Przewalski horses and Somali wild ass, shedding light on their conservation status and distribution.

Conclusion:
Dr. Mortensen concludes the episode by emphasizing the historical journey and diverse impact of equids across the world, inviting listeners to appreciate the incredible stories and importance of these creatures in various cultures and landscapes.


Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more.

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