Preservation of the Przewalski Breed
Efforts to Encourage Breeding of a Genetically Wild Horse
They are now considered a subspecies of the wild horse, the current horses roaming Mongolia being bred domestically to sustain the breed. Discovered in Mongolia in the late 1800s by N. M. Przewalski - a Russian explorer - this breed of horse has recently been reintroduced to the wild after previously roaming the steppe along the Mongolia-China border.
Appearance of the Przewalski Horse
Unusual in its looks, this short horse (12 – 14 hands in height) is easily identified by its cream to reddish-brown coat with a pale belly and muzzle. The tail, legs and mane are dark and its mane stands upright like a Mohawk.
Extinction of a Breed
Interbreeding with domestic horses, hunting and competition with regards to water and grazing areas led to the major decrease in numbers of this horse. In 1926 this resulted in the breed being legally protected in Mongolia. Sadly this didn’t stop the extinction of the horse in the wild.
The dwindling numbers of the breed led to breeding programs being set up and maintained around the world. This allows for the Przewalski horse to then be reintroduced where possible into several Mongolian national parks. Such programs have already proven to be successful.
Worldwide Breeding Programs
Breeding programs have been set up in North America and the Ukraine. Australia also offers the Taronga Zoo in New South Wales with its captive breeding program. Monarto Zoo in South Australia also partakes in the world wide breeding program, having a 1000 hectare site. This is divided into large paddocks, some of these being open to the public.
In Mongolia there is the opportunity for those keen in helping with the preservation of this breed to get their hands dirty and do exactly that. Help exists in the forms of observing herds of horses and helping out with regards to restoring natural habitat.
Benefits of Such a Program
- Travelling to another country to observe a wild breed of horse
- Observe them in their natural habitat
- Improve the surrounding environment to help them thrive
- Read the body language of the horse and observe daily behaviours
If you like the sound of this, then perhaps helping with the preservation of Equus caballus przewalskii is for you. Such a program, focused on this ungulate species for the horse mad traveler is available at particular times of the year and of course isn’t without cost but definitely worth looking into.
Taking away the threat with regards to hunting and issues with grazing areas and water, the focal point of problems for the Equus caballus przewalskii may be genetic diversity. Hopefully with worldwide programs being established such a problem won’t arise due to members of the breed being available throughout the world. Further information about this gorgeous breed and its preservation is available online.
Typical of the Breed: Upright Mane & Black Points
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles