Note on the Survival Status of Przewalski’s Horse, Equus ferus
przewalskii (Perissodactyla: Equidae)

Kabir A

doi:10.23880/jeasc-16000141

Journal of Ethology & Animal Science Research Article 2 min read

Note on the Survival Status of Przewalski’s Horse, Equus ferus przewalskii (Perissodactyla: Equidae)

Kabir A^*

^* Corresponding author

ISSN: 2642-1232 10.23880/jeasc-16000141 Received: July 11, 2024 Published: August 14, 2024

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Keywords

Przewalski’s Horse Reproduction Management Captive Breeding Zoo Safari Park Reintroduction

Abstract

Since, Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii) are not survived in wild, so this is urgent to keep them in captive breeding in any zoos or safari parks. All reports on this horse focused on this same issue. In nature, the sole enemy of this horse is Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), so in captivity through proper management, the breeding schedule could enhance their number for reintroduction in nature.

Introduction

After Nikolay Przhevalsky (1839―1888) who was a Russian geographer, the name of Przewalski’s horse (takhi/ Mongolian wild horse/Dzungarian horse) was coined. This is once extinct in the wild, but it has been reintroduced to its native habitat Mongolia. In nature, the Himalayan wolf (Canis lupus chanco) is their dominant predator. Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii) once roamed throughout Central Asia, China, and Europe [1]. This horse was extinct in the wild by mid 1960s [2, 3], and remnant populations exist only in small captive breeding herds. Jimsar County Xinjiang, China is a renowned breeding institute of this horse [4]. The height of Przewalski’s horse is 122-142 cm and average weight 660 lb. The global status of this animal is endangered (EN). The objective of this study is to know its present status and trying to enhance its captive breeding for reintroduction in nature (Figure 1).

Classification

Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia

Order: Perissodactyla
Family: Equidae
Genus: Equus
Species: ferus
Subspecies: przewalskii
Scientific name: E. f. przewalskii (I. S. Polyakov 1881)

Survival Status of Przewalski’s Horse

Przewalski’s horses are born in all months of the year, but more than 75% were born from April to July in the northern hemisphere [6]. The reproduction rate was found 77.8%, survivor rate 42.8%, and growth rate 4.8% [7]. Infertility arises from mismatch between stallions and mares, congenital sterility, altered environment, and diseases [4]. In Hustai National Park of Mongolia, the average survival rate of the released Przewalski’s horses was observed 56.4% and 51.95% of foals’ death caused by wolf predation, 18.9% by inborn diseases and abortion, 8.8% by injury, 5% by insufficient milk intakes from their mother, and 12.6% by unknown reasons [8]. It has migratory behaviour.

Conclusions

The present data suggests that there is no shortcut without captive breeding of Przewalski’s horses for their conservation. In this case, any zoos and safari parks could play an effective role on its successful breeding through scientific management. Zoo or park authority could provide necessary research funds on this burning issue.

References

Monfort SL, Arthur NP, Wildt DE (1991) Monitoring ovarian function and pregnancy by evaluating excretion of urinary estrogen conjugates in semi-free-ranging Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii). J Reprod Fertil 91(1): 155-164.
Maltzan J, Kohler B, Wiesner H (2007) Breeding management of Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii) in Munich Tierpark Hllabrunn: experience from 30 years. Pp: 48-53.
Robert N, Walzer C, Ruegg SR, Kaczensky P, Ganbaatar O, et al. (2005) Pathologic findings in reintroduced Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii) in southwestern Mongolia. J Zoology Wildl Med 36(2): 273-285.
Zhang HF, Sun LC, Cao J (2002) the breeding status of captive Przewalski’s Horses in Xinjiang. Acta Zoologica Sinica 37: 70-72.
Przewalski’s horse.
Volf J (1989) Die “wilde” odergezielte Aufzucht von prezwalki Pferden (Equus przewalskii) Zoologische Garten 59: 402-410.
Chen J, Weng Q, Chao J, Hu D, Taya K (2008) Reproduction and development of the released Przewalski’s Horses (Equus przewalskii) in Xinjiang, China. J Equine Sci 19(1): 1-7.
Bandi N (2004) Reproduction status of takhi being reintroduced in Hustai National Park. 2nd International Workshop on the re-introduction of the Przewalski’s horse.

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