Reintroduction of an Extinct Species
The critically endangered Przewalski's horses have made a remarkable return to the steppes of Kazakhstan after a nearly 200-year absence.
History and Extinction
Named after Russian geographer Nikolai Przewalski, who discovered them in the late 19th century, these sandy-brown equines once roamed vast grasslands across Central Asia. However, hunting, habitat loss to human activity, and harsh winters brought them to the brink of extinction by the 1960s.
Conservation Efforts
In a groundbreaking move, the Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic decided to reintroduce the species to the Altyn Dala steppe in central Kazakhstan. Known as the "Golden Steppe," this 7,000-square-kilometer area of grasslands and wetlands was once home to Przewalski's horses.
Initial Release
In early June, the first group of seven horses was released into the wild. The zoo plans to release an additional 40 over the next five years.
Transported by Czech military aircraft from Prague and Berlin to Arkalyk, Kazakhstan, the horses made a seven-hour journey by truck to the steppe.
Acclimatization and Adaptation
The horses will be kept in holding pens for a year to learn how to locate food and water and adapt to the harsh winters.
Global Conservation Efforts
Przewalski's horses became extinct in the wild in the late 1960s but survived in captivity. Reintroduction efforts have been successful in China and western Mongolia, with a population of around 850 animals.
Importance in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, this initiative is part of a broader conservation effort because the horses play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by grazing on various grasses and dispersing seeds.
Summary
After 200 years of absence, Przewalski's horses have been reintroduced to their former habitat in Kazakhstan's Altyn Dala steppe. Conservation efforts aim to restore the species' population and promote biodiversity in the region.