Istrian donkey (Istarski magarac)

Istarski magarac, Istrian donkey, or Asino istriano is an autochthonous breed of donkey that can be found in Istria, Croatia. When compared with other donkeys, the Istrian ones are stronger and more robust. Their head is large with a slightly concave or straight profile and long ears.

White hair grows on the inner side of the ears, while the muzzle is white, with some black areas around nostrils. The coat is usually short and black. The meat is a tasty delicacy and has a sinewy structure, which is the reason why it's often slowly cooked in stews.

It is often used in a traditional Istrian dish consisting of local pasta and Istrian donkey meat. The animals are usually reared in the central, southern, and western parts of the Istrian peninsula.