Equus Ferus Przewalski- Steel Humphry
Przewalski's Horse
Equus Ferus Przewalski
By Steel Humphry
By Steel Humphry
Equus Ferus Przewalski Stallion in Khustain Nuruu National Park, Mongolia
Taken by Paul Jones
Characteristics
Thought to be a undomesticated descendent from the horses of the ancient Botai, the Equus Ferus Przewalski, better known as Przewalski's Horse, is one of the last "wild" horse breeds. Contrary to popular belief, recent genetic studies indicate that the Przewalski's Horse is not an ancestor to the modern domesticated horses, equus caballus. The Przewalski's Horse has some major differences from the domesticated horse breeds. Aside from differing visual characteristics, the Przewalski's Horse has 66 chromosomes, while the domesticated horse only has 64. However, the offspring of the domesticated horses and the Przewalski's Horse is still fertile and contains 65 chromosomes. The Przewalski's Horse originated from the eastern Eurasian Steppes and had a range from the Urals to Mongolia.
Extinction and Reintroduction
The Przewalski's Horses wild population became an extinct species in the wild during the 1960s, but later were put back on the critically endangered list. The main reason for the extinction was hunting, military activities, climatic changes, competition with livestock and increasing land use pressure. The population only rebounded after Przewalski's Horses were reintroduced in the late 1980s to two preserves in Mongolia. Przewalski's Horses are still found in the wild today due to conservation efforts, though it remains an endangered species. Approximately 2000 Przewalski's Horses reside in zoos internationally, and there is a small breeding population that were reintroduced in Mongolia that consist of about fifty head of horses. The biggest fight for this small herd is a restricted range, potential hybridization with domestic horses, loss of genetic diversity and also disease. According to research published in 2005 by a cooperative venture between the Zoological Society of London and Mongolian scientists, there is a population of 248 animals in the wild. 
What Can You Do?
As a member of society, there is not a lot that can be done for this wild animal. The only thing that could help would be to pressure zoo's to release these scarce animals back out into the wild breed with the few that are remaining to create a greater genetic diversity. Maybe instead of going to the zoo to have to see these animals, a member of society could either enjoy them online, or even see them where they are meant to be... As a member of the Wild Kingdom.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/p/przewalskis-horse/
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/przewalskis-horse
It is very interesting that this is not an ancestor to the modern domesticated horse. I enjoyed reading about this endangered horse! -Michael Avila
ReplyDeleteI was very surprised to see that there are only about 248 of these horses left in the wild. It was also interesting to see that despite their similarities, the Prezewalski's horse has 2 more chromosomes than the traditional domesticated horse's 64 chromosomes. Great job! - Bailey Barton
ReplyDeleteSurprised to read that they are not ancestors to the modern domesticated horses because they appear to be so similar! - Zamantha Baraceros
ReplyDeleteSad to hear that we can't do more to help these poor creatures! I will definitely keep them in mind next time I consider visiting a zoo! -Audrey Bolesta
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that one of the reasons for extinction in the wild is due to hunting since horses are not traditionally considered hunting animals. However, I know in Europe that horse meat is common. I was curious to whether this horse has less utility to humans, which is why the standard horse thrives, while this horse is not cared for as much. - Chris Berridge
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ReplyDeleteI found it shocking how this species was only recently distinguished as being its own. It was also amazing how it was able to bounce back after being listed as extinct in the 1960's. It was sad to read that there isn't that much we can do for them at this point, but it is encouraging to here that there are a fair amount still left in zoos across the world.
ReplyDelete-Keaton Bates
Wow, how do you pronounce this? You mentioned hunting as a cause for extinction...I wonder if that means accidentally killing by means of game hunting. Great Post. -Jenna A.
ReplyDeleteI found it really interest that this horse isn't genetically related to the modern horse. I found it really sad that they pretty much only reside in zoos now, but hopefully with conservation tactics we can grow their populations-Grant Baldwin
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear they made a comeback from being extinct. Although similar in appearance, the distinction between domestic horses and the Przewalski is most notable in the shape of their jaw. Good work. -Guillermo Avilez
ReplyDeleteZoos can always be so contentious! I will view online for now on! Grant Anderson
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear they made a comeback from being extinct- Pierson Berry
ReplyDeleteThis blog was sad and unusual considering horses are not typically hunted in the wild. It sucks to read there is not much we can do for them but I found this a good blog post to read.
ReplyDelete-Shea Blackman