Ecology and behaviour of the feral donkey, Equus asinus, population of the Karpas peninsula, northern Cyprus.

The ecology and behaviour of a population of feral donkeys (Equus asinus) in the Karpas peninsula, northern Cyprus, was investigated. The population size in the area occupied by the donkeys was estimated by independent subjective assessment and by two mark and recapture techniques as being approximately 300 to 400 animals with a density of 8-10 animals/km-2. It was concluded that subjective assessments after a period of familiarization with the study area can provide estimates close to those obtained by other systematic sampling techniques. During daylight hours the donkeys were most frequently observed in groups of one to four animals although larger grazing associations were also formed. The animals exhibited features of social organization typical of feral asses appropriate to the length of time the population had been established. In the Karpas, control measures should be implemented to prevent possible animal welfare problems.