A burro is a term used to refer to a donkey, particularly in Spanish, Portuguese, and Mexican contexts. In the United States, the term is commonly applied to feral donkeys that live west of the Rocky Mountains, but it can also be used to describe any small donkey. Donkeys, including burros, are domesticated equines that are believed to have originated from the African wild ass, Equus africanus. They can be classified as a subspecies of the African wild ass, Equus africanus asinus, or as a separate species, Equus asinus.
Burros in North America
Burros were introduced to North America by the Spanish Conquistadors and Missionaries in the 1500s. They were used in missions and mines, and by the 19th century Gold Rush, they had become the beast of burden of choice for early prospectors in the western United States. With the end of the placer mining boom, many burros escaped or were abandoned, leading to the establishment of a feral population in the region.
Differences between Donkeys and Burros
While donkeys and burros are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference in their definitions. A donkey is a domesticated animal with the scientific name Equus asinus, while a burro is a wild animal that is a type of Equus asinus. However, in practice, the terms are often used synonymously to refer to both domesticated and feral donkeys.
