Locally Albanian Donkeys are referred to as "gomari". They
are kept as pack animals or for farm work.
Donkeys have a long history in Albania, especially in
coastal and hilly regions, and are believed to have migrated into the country originally
from the Adriatic coast centuries ago with the development of trade connections
between Persia, Egypt, and Greece.
They evolved locally more by natural selection than focused
breeding, and they continue to be useful in rural area where the conditions are
harsh.
Their coat is grey, black, reddish, or "purple". Because of
conditions in Albania, they are small (averaging 107 cm at the withers).
In 2013 there were roughly 55,000 Albanian donkeys, and unfortunately
their numbers are diminishing. However, small family farmers have turned
increasingly to using more animals on farms because of high prices for
mechanical work.
About Albanian Donkeys
