Family EQUIDAE
Compiler and date details
31 December 1998 - J.A. Mahoney & D.W. Walton (1988); updated by Barry J. Richardson (1999), Centre for Biostructural and Biomolecular Research, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury
Introduction
The family Equidae, order Perissodactyla, includes the horses, zebras and asses, all placed in a single genus. None is native to Australia, though two species are now present, Equus caballus and Equus asinus. The dental formula is 3/3, 0-1/0-1, 3-4/3, 3/3 = 36-42. Horns are not found on animals of either sex. A post-orbital bar is present. There is one digit on each foot.
All species are grazing herbivores and are found in small herds. The modern species were found originally in the Ethiopian and Palaearctic regions, though domestic and feral horses and asses are now found in many parts of the world.
General References
Groves, C.P. 1989. Equidae. pp. 1039-1043 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1B 827 pp.
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-Dec-2010 | 14-Dec-2010 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |