Sardinian donkey

The Sardinian (Italian: Asino Sardo, Sardinian: Molente or Molenti) is an Italian breed of donkey from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, to the west of Italy.^[4] It is raised throughout the island; there are also some small populations in mainland Italy.^[5]: 172 It is one of the eight autochthonous donkey breeds of limited distribution recognised by the Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, the Italian ministry of agriculture and forestry.^[6] Its conservation status was listed as 'endangered' by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2007^[1]: 70 and as 'at risk/endangered' in DAD-IS in 2024.^[2] The breeding population reported for 2022 numbered just over 3600 head, with 2094 jennies and 963 jacks in 788 herds.^[2]

Conservation status

• FAO (2007): endangered^[1]: 70
• DAD-IS (2022): at risk/endangered^[2]

Other names

• Asino Sardo
• Molente
• Molenti
• Àinu
• Burriccu
• Poleddu
• Coccineddu
• Incherci
• Incónchinu
• Molinzanu
• Pegus de Mola^[3]: 44

Country of originItaly

Distribution

• Sardinia
• mainland Italy

Quick facts Conservation status, Other names ...

Sardinian

At Fieracavalli in Verona, 2014
Conservation status	FAO (2007): endangered[1]: 70  DAD-IS (2022): at risk/endangered[2]
Other names	Asino Sardo Molente Molenti Àinu Burriccu Poleddu Coccineddu Incherci Incónchinu Molinzanu Pegus de Mola[3]: 44
Country of origin	Italy
Distribution	Sardinia mainland Italy
Standard	MIPAAF
Use	transport burden draught animal power (flour milling)
Traits
Height	80–110 cm[3]: 44
Donkey Equus asinus

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