 |
|
 |
|
DISTRIBUTION
The Przewalski's horse originally occupied
the the steppe, an immense belt of grasslands that stretches
away from Manchuria in the East to the Iberian Peninsula
in the West. However, due to the introduction of agriculture
and animal husbandry, the horse withdrew further and further
into ever more inhospitable areas until the species finally
became extinct from the wild in the desert of Southwest
Mongolia in the 1960s.
The Foundation
for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski Horse
was founded in 1977 in hopes of re-introducing the horse
back into its original habitat.. At that time only some
300 Przewalski horses were left.
Thanks to their
efforts, as of January 1, 1998, some 60 Przewalski horses
live on the steppes of Hustain Huruu with some 1450 spread
over 135 zoos and private parks all over the world.
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
 |
 |
DESCRIPTION
The Przewalski
horse is almost as big as a sturdy pony. Its pony-like
head is big when it is compared with the rest of the body.
Its ears are
black-rimmed and tip inward. The muzzle and the rings
that encircle the high bright dark eyes, have a mealy
colour. Its nostrils and lips are dark gray. The coat
comes in variations from light brown to sandy and even
reddish bay and the belly is somewhat lighter. A very
characteristic feature is the dark dorsal band, which
runs from the erect manes into the tail.
The horse usually
stands between 4 and five feet at the shoulder.
|
|
| |
|
|
DIET
Prsewalski's horses spend their days grazing
on vegetation on the steppe; drinking water from the small brooks
that crisscross the steppe and engaging in social behaviors with
the members of their herd. They avoid contact with other herds which
might erupt into fighting... |
| |
|
|
 |
LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Przewalski horse behaviour is remarkably
synchronised in a harem. They all graze and rest at the same
time. When some of the horses start to nibble one another,
the others will follow suit. Frolicsome foals or rolling older
ones instantly invite others to join in with the fun. Skin
care is very important. They like to scratch themselves against
rocky surfaces, shrubs or to roll in the sand. they cannot
reach their own backs. The help of others is needed. Standing
head to tail they nibble one another's skin. This is called
mutual grooming, which not only has a pure practical function,
but also furthers mutual bonding and works as a stress relief
for the whole group. |
|
| |
|
|
REPRODUCTION
Przewalski's mares have their first foal
when they are three years or older. Stallions begin breeding
at the age of five. They usually stike out on their own at
that age, but must first win a harem of mares by defeating
the older stallion whose harem the young stallion wants to
breed. This battle for ownership of he harem can last for
das or weeks. When the older stallion is defeated, the younger
stallion takes over the harem. Once a harem stallion is beaten
it will take a long time before the mares will comply with
the authority of the conqueror. Some of the mares will even
leave the group with their young and try to join another group. |
|
| |
|
|
INTERESTING FACTS
1. The Przewalski horse - takh in Mongolian -
is the sole surviving genuine wild horse in the world.
2. It is unique that after their extinction from
the wild in the 1960s and after more than thirteen generations in
captivity the Przewalski horses were reintroduced into their natural
environment in Mongolia. .
3. Przewalski horses are among the most threatened
wildlife species in the world. The entire world population consists
of no more than 1,435 individual animals (Studbook Prague, 01.01.2000).
The Red List (IUCN) of Endangered Species classifies the species
as extinct. Przewalski horses fall under Appendix 1 of the Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora
(CITES), which makes it an offense to trade them. Every transaction,
for instance exchange between breeding groups, must be accompanied
by the official documents of approval. |
