Przewalski's Horses

About

Przewalski's horses, scientifically known as Equus przewalskii, are the last truly wild horse species. They are descendants of a lineage that diverged from domestic horses hundreds of thousands of years ago. Originally native to the steppes of Central Asia, these horses were once extinct in the wild but have been successfully reintroduced to Mongolia and China through captive breeding programs. They are stocky, smaller than domestic horses, with a dun coat and erect mane. Their diet consists mainly of grasses and plants. Reintroduction efforts have led to populations in Mongolia's Hustai National Park and China's Kalamaili Nature Reserve. Despite progress, threats include habitat degradation, low genetic diversity, and disease. Przewalski's horses live in small herds, often forming harems with a dominant male. They are legally protected in Mongolia, and conservation efforts continue to address the challenges they face. With approximately 1,900 individuals worldwide, these horses remain endangered but are recovering through concerted conservation efforts.