RID 2225 - INTERACT CLUB OF NOVOSIBIRSK INITIATIVE

Przewalski’s Horse:

Przewalski’s horse is stockily built in comparison to domesticated horses, with shorter legs. Typical height is about 132 cm, length is about 2.1 m. Their weigh around 300 kilograms. The coat is generally dun in color with pangaré features, varying from dark brown around the mane (which stands erect) to pale brown on the flanks and yellowish-white on the belly and around the muzzle. The legs of Przewalski’s horse are often faintly striped, also typical of primitive markings. The tail is about 90 cm long, with a longer dock and shorter hair than seen in domesticated horses.

In the wild, Przewalski’s horses live in small, permanent family groups consisting of one adult stallion, one to three mares and their common offspring. Offspring stay in the family group until they are no longer dependent, usually at two or three years old. Bachelor stallions and sometimes old stallions, join bachelor groups. Family groups can join together to form a herd that move together.

The World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species listed the Przewalski’s horse as extinct in the wild until 2008. Causes of extinction were hunting, harsh climate, loss of habitat, and loss of water sources to farm animals. However, successful re-introductions qualified this species for reassessment in 2008 and they are now classified as critically endangered. Currently, there are around 1500 animals remaining in zoos and breeding facilities, carrying genes from 14 founders. Because loss of genetic diversity threatens their continued survival, the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center and other institutions around the world maintain breeding populations that serve as a source of animals for re-introduction in Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. Thanks to their effort nearly 400 horses now roam in re-introduction sites in Mongolia and China.

Cool Facts:

• Przewalski’s horses have never been tamed for riding, which means that they are the last truly wild horse in existence today.

• Przewalski’s horses have 66 chromosomes, two more than domestic horses.

• The Mongolian name for these horses is "takhi," which means "spirit". Horses are central to Mongolian culture and takhi are a symbol of their national heritage. The Chinese call the Przewalski’s horse "yehmah".

• These horses were scientifically described in the late 19^th century after Polish naturalist Colonel Nikolai Przewalski obtained a skull and hide of this seldom-seen animal and shared them with scientists at a museum in St. Petersburg.

Interact Club of Novosibirsk Initiative – RID 2225, RUSSIA