The question of whether wild horses roam the plains of Africa is common, given the continent’s immense and varied landscapes that host spectacular wildlife. Africa is home to a rich diversity of the Equidae family, the mammals that include horses, asses, and zebras. Understanding the presence of horses in Africa requires looking closely at scientific classification and history. The answer involves distinguishing between truly wild, native species and populations established outside of human control.
Defining the Term “Wild Horse”
The designation of “wild horse” has a specific meaning in biology. A truly wild horse is an animal that has never been domesticated and whose ancestors have always lived without human intervention. The only remaining species that fits this definition is Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii), a subspecies native to the steppes of Central Asia.
The domestic horse (Equus caballus or Equus ferus caballus) originated in Eurasia and was spread globally by humans. Therefore, a horse of this species living without human care in Africa is considered “feral,” not wild. A feral animal is one descended from domesticated stock that has returned to a free-roaming existence. Indigenous populations of the domestic horse species have never existed on the African continent.
Africa’s Native Equids
While true wild horses (Equus ferus) are absent, Africa is the native home for several other members of the Equus genus. These indigenous equids consist of three species of zebra and the African wild ass. These animals are distinct species that evolved naturally on the continent, not escaped domesticated horses.
The most widely distributed is the Plains zebra (Equus quagga), which roams in large herds across the savannas of eastern and southern Africa. The Mountain zebra (Equus zebra) is restricted to mountainous regions in South Africa and Namibia. The Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) is the largest and most threatened, primarily found in the arid grasslands of Ethiopia and Kenya.
The African wild ass (Equus africanus) is another native equid and is considered the ancestor of the modern domestic donkey. This species is found in the arid regions of the Horn of Africa, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, but it is critically endangered in the wild.
Feral Populations and Their Origins
Despite the absence of native wild horses, Africa hosts established populations of feral horses that thrive in certain isolated areas. The most famous are the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert in Namibia. This small herd, numbering between 90 and 150 individuals, lives in the harsh, arid environment of the Namib-Naukluft Park near the Garub Plains.
The precise origin of these Namib horses remains unverified, but theories point to European domestic horses introduced during the early 20th century. They are commonly believed to be descendants of military horses from German and South African forces that escaped or were abandoned during World War I. Other possibilities include horses that escaped from a stud farm near Duwisib Castle or from mining operations near the Orange River.
The horses’ ability to survive in one of the world’s driest deserts is attributed to a reliable, man-made water source at Garub and their historical protection within the restricted Diamond Area. This isolation allowed the population to adapt to the extreme conditions, developing unique survival behaviors. While they are not indigenous, these resilient feral horses represent a unique ecological presence within the African landscape.