A national animal serves as a powerful symbol, linking a country’s identity to its natural heritage and history. For Mongolia, whose culture is deeply rooted in the vastness of the steppe and nomadic life, the selection of this symbol carries immense meaning. The chosen animal reflects the deep connection between the Mongolian people and the wild, open lands they inhabit.
Identifying Mongolia’s National Symbol
Mongolia’s national animal is the Takhi, also known scientifically as Przewalski’s Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). This species holds the distinction of being the last remaining truly wild horse in the world, never having been successfully domesticated. Physically, the Takhi is stockier and more compact than domestic horses, typically standing between 122 and 142 centimeters at the shoulder. Its coat is dun colored, featuring a light belly, a darker stripe down its back, and a short, dark, upright mane. The Takhi also possesses a unique genetic makeup, carrying 66 chromosomes, two more than the 64 found in domestic horse breeds.
The Cultural and Historical Significance
In the Mongolian language, “Takhi” translates to “spirit” or “spiritual,” reflecting the deep reverence the animal commands. This wild horse embodies the national ideals of strength, freedom, and the resilience required to survive the harsh Central Asian environment. The horse has always been central to the Mongolian identity, particularly within the nomadic lifestyle and the historical legacy of the Mongol Empire.
Stories and folklore often portray the Takhi as a sacred being, its galloping hooves echoing the heartbeat of the land. The animal’s enduring independence mirrors the historical spirit of the Mongolian people, who navigated vast territories on horseback. Although Genghis Khan’s armies relied on domestic horses, the untamable Takhi represented the spirit that made the Mongols renowned horsemen. This symbolism of endurance and freedom secured the Takhi’s place as a representation of the national heritage.
A Story of Conservation and Rewilding
Despite its cultural status, the Takhi was driven to the brink of collapse during the 20th century due to habitat loss and excessive hunting. The species was officially declared extinct in the wild after the last confirmed sighting occurred in the late 1960s. All surviving Przewalski’s Horses were descendants of a small group of individuals, primarily 12 fecund animals, maintained in captive breeding programs.
An international effort began in the 1990s to return the horses to their native habitat in Mongolia. The first group of 16 captive-bred Takhi were airlifted and released into the wild in 1992, beginning a successful rewilding project. Today, significant free-ranging populations are thriving in protected areas such as the Hustai National Park, the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area, and Khomiin Tal.
The success of the reintroduction led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to change the Takhi’s conservation status twice. It was reclassified from “Extinct in the Wild” to “Critically Endangered” in 2008 and then improved to “Endangered” in 2011. With over 500 free-ranging horses now roaming the steppes, the species’ return stands as a testament to global cooperation and a source of profound national pride for Mongolia.