II.

Draft Animals

Domesticated animals used primarily for work, transport, and leisure are widely distributed. They include the horse, mule, donkey (see Ass), ox, buffalo, camel, llama, alpaca, yak, reindeer, and dog.

Modern horses are thought to have descended from one or more of three subspecies, including the tarpan, Przewalski's wild horse, and the European forest horse. They are still used for draft in many countries of the world. They are also used for controlling other types of animals, for carrying packs, and for riding for leisure and sport. The world population of horses is estimated at about 56 million; approximately half are in North and South America and Africa, and half in Asia and Europe. Almost half of the 13 million or so mules in the world are found in Asia and the rest is fairly evenly distributed in Africa, North and Central America, and South America. Of the more than 40 million donkeys, about half are in Asia and one-fourth in Africa.

Camels, llamas, and alpacas are used for carrying packs. Of about 18 million camels in the world, approximately three-fourths are found in Africa and the rest in Asia. The llama and alpaca are mostly limited to small areas in South America, although their popularity is increasing in North America. Practically all water buffalo are found in Asia. They are used primarily as draft animals but have potential for the production of milk and meat. Oxen are also important draft animals in Asia and in some parts of southeastern Europe. Dogs are used as draft animals in Alaska and Siberia, and are also used to control sheep and other animal herds.