Equus asinus x Equus caballus (Mule)
Equus asinus x Equus caballus (Mule)
Written by Wednesday, 21 January 2009 20:39
“My favourite animal is the mule. He has more horse sense than a horse. He knows when to stop eating -- and he knows when to stop working.” Harry S. Truman
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Equus asinus x Equus caballus F1 hybrid (common name: Mule) When I took this photo, I realized for the first time that what used to be a very common figure in Greece has become a very rare sight. Mules (Greek: Hemionus, meaning “half donkey”) were once found everywhere, particularly in agricultural areas or islands. However, the construction of roads has practically led them to extinction since they are replaced by small trucks. The mule possesses the sobriety, patience, endurance and sure-footedness of the donkey and the vigour, strength and courage of the horse. Farmers in Greece generally find mules preferable to horses: mules show less impatience under the pressure of heavy weights and their skin, harder and less sensitive than that of horses, renders them more capable of resisting sun and rain. Their hooves are harder than horses', and they show a natural resistance to disease and insects. This animal was found on the island of Serifos several years ago and I decided that it was, perhaps, one of the last chances I would ever have to take a photo of it. After talking to the owner it became evident that when this animal would perish he would not replace it, so this may well have been the last mule on this island. Photos by George J. Reclos 1. Camera: Nikon D70 2. Camera: Nikon D70 3. Camera: Nikon D70 4. Camera: Nikon D70
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