|
|
Przewalski's Horse
(say sheh-val-skee)
The Przewalski horse is a Mongolian wild horse, the only true wild horses left. They have never been tamed for riding. They are the national symbol of Mongolia, where their name is tahk or tahki, which means 'spirit'.
Back from the brink of extinction
Over 30 years ago, there were only a few horses left, all of them in zoos. A breeding program was set up, and 14 selected horses were bred. Some years later, two generations of horses were placed in special reserves in Germany and The Netherlands in order to learn how to be wild. They were then taken to a natural, newly established secure area, the Hustai National Park in Mongolia, and were set free in their original natural habitat. It appears that they are doing well there, behaving naturally, finding food, protecting their young from wolves, and surviving the harsh winters. Their numbers are increasing, and there are now over 400 there.
After almost disappearing from the planet, Przewalski horses, although not yet completely safe, are once again back in Mongolia.
Appearance
They are light brown with pale underbelly and muzzle. The tail and legs are dark and there is a dark stripe along their back. The dark mane stands upright, and does not grow on the forehead. They are a short and stocky build.
Photograph http://www.copyright-free-photos.org.uk
Habitat and Distribution
Their original range was parts of Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Mongolia and China.
Their habitat is grasslands, called the steppe. Large, flat plains.
Diet
Grasses and other plants
Behaviours
Przewalski horses live in groups consisting of one stallion (male) and several mares (females). Young stallions leave their families and gather in groups called bachelor groups until they are able to win females and lead their own groups. Stallions fight with each other to win females for their group.
Life Cycle
Females usually give birth in the early summer, about 12 months after mating. The young are called foals.
Conservation Status
They are officially listed still as Extinct in the Wild. Threats were being hunted, loss of habitat and loss of water for farm animals. Zoos still keep up breeding programs in case the group in Mongolia do not survive.
Przewalski?
A Polish naturalist, Colonel Nicolai Przewalski, was given a skull and hide of a horse, which, because of the remoteness of its habitat, was hardly ever seen. He gave these to a museum in Russia. The horses were given his name by scientists.
Go here to find more information and pictures:
If you use any
of this information in your own work, acknowledge this source
in your bibliography like this:
Sydenham, S. & Thomas, R. Przewalski's Horse [Online] www.kidcyber.com.au (2008)
updated September © kidcyber [2008]