The Przewalski’s horse, known in Mongolia as the takhi, is recognized as the last truly wild horse, distinguishing it from feral horses like mustangs and brumbies which are descended from domesticated animals. Its genetic makeup is unique, possessing 66 chromosomes compared to the 64 found in domestic horses. This genetic difference highlights an ancient divergence from the lineage of domestic horses, occurring hundreds of thousands of years ago. The conservation of the Przewalski’s horse is important for preserving global biodiversity and steppe ecosystems.
Current Global Population
The global population of Przewalski’s horses numbers nearly 2500 individuals, including those in captive environments and those reintroduced to the wild. Approximately 112 breeding centers and zoos worldwide house a significant portion of this population, with about 900 individuals residing in Europe and 120 in the United States.
In their native ranges, particularly in China and Mongolia, the wild or free-ranging population was estimated at around 1360 horses as of 2018. Mongolia alone is home to over 500 free-ranging Przewalski’s horses, distributed across three primary reintroduction sites. China’s Xinjiang region reported a population of 438 in 2019, including horses in wild and semi-captive conditions. Reintroduction efforts have also expanded to other areas, with a multi-lateral project commencing in Kazakhstan in 2024. Monitoring these populations involves GPS satellite tracking to study movement and habitat use.
From Extinction to Revival
The Przewalski’s horse disappeared from the wild by the late 1960s. Factors contributing to this near-extinction included intense hunting, increasing competition with livestock for grazing lands, and the widespread loss of their natural steppe habitat. Military activities and harsh winters also played a role in reducing their numbers. The last confirmed sighting of a wild Przewalski’s horse occurred in Mongolia in 1969.
The species’ survival depended on captive breeding programs established worldwide. All living Przewalski’s horses today descend from a small founder population of only 12 wild-caught individuals. This limited genetic base resulted in a significant bottleneck and challenges with inbreeding. The Prague Zoo took a leading role in 1959 by establishing and managing the international studbook, coordinating the exchange of horses among institutions to maximize genetic diversity and prevent further inbreeding.
Maintaining and Growing Wild Herds
The successful reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses to their native habitats began in the 1980s and 1990s. Key reintroduction sites include Hustai Nuruu National Park, Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area, and Khomiin Tal in Mongolia, as well as the Kalamaili Nature Reserve and Dunhuang Xihu National Nature Reserve in China. These efforts have allowed the species to return to areas where they once roamed freely.
Despite these successes, challenges persist for the long-term viability of wild Przewalski’s horse populations. Maintaining genetic diversity remains a primary concern due to the small number of founding individuals. Artificial insemination and cloning are explored to introduce new genetic material. Reintroduced horses can also be vulnerable to local diseases like equine piroplasmosis and strangles.
Climate change poses ongoing threats, with extreme weather events and increased drought conditions impacting their survival and behavior. Human encroachment and competition with growing livestock populations for forage also continue to degrade their habitats. There is also a risk of hybridization with domestic horses, which could compromise the genetic purity of the wild population. Conservationists continue to implement monitoring programs, enhance habitats, and engage local communities to ensure the sustained growth and health of these unique wild horse herds. The IUCN reclassified the Przewalski’s horse from “Extinct in the Wild” to “Endangered” in 2011, reflecting progress and the continued need for conservation efforts.