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Mongolian journal of biological sciences2007; 5(1-2); 13-18; doi: 10.22353/mjbs.2007.05.03

Przewalski’s Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) Re-introduction in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area: from Species to Ecosystem Conservation.

Abstract: The Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii Poljakov, 1881), or "Takhi" in Mongolian, became extinct in the wild by the mid 1960's. The last recorded sightings of Przewalski's horses occurred in the Dzungarian Gobi desert in SW Mongolia, today's Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (SPA). A re-introduction program was initiated in 1992 and the first group of captive-born Przewalski's horses was airlifted to the SPA. Given the logistical challenges associated with such a venture, the initial project focus has been on transport logistics and the well-being of the re-introduced horses. Today, conservation efforts are spread over the entire protected area. Present day efforts include other mammals, vegetation and the local people. Due to its important symbolic value in Mongolian culture, the Przewalski's horse became an important flagship species for the protected area's conservation and management.
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Publication Date: 2007-12-01 PubMed ID: 22064815PubMed Central: PMC3207201DOI: 10.22353/mjbs.2007.05.03Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research explored the re-introduction of the Przewalski’s horse, a species that had become extinct in the wild, into the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area. It highlights how initial efforts focused on the transportation and well-being of the horses, though present day conservation efforts are more expansive and include other aspects of the local ecosystem, including other animal species, vegetation, and the people living in the area.

Re-Introduction of Przewalski’s Horse

  • The study begins with the historical background of the Przewalski’s horse, also known as ‘Takhi’ in Mongolian. These horses became extinct in the wild around the mid 1960s, with the last sightings recorded in the Dzungarian Gobi desert in southwest Mongolia.
  • In 1992, a re-introduction program was initiated, airlifting captive-born Przewalski’s horses to the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (SPA).
  • One of the main challenges discussed in the paper was the logistics associated with such a venture. The successful re-introduction of Przewalski’s horse was not simply a matter of returning the animals but required specific strategies and measures to ensure their successful acclimatization and survival in the new environment.

Shift in Conservation Efforts

  • The research also talks about the shift in focus over time from the initial stage where attention was heavily placed on the horses’ well-being and transport logistics, to a more holistic approach to conservation effort.
  • Today, the conservation efforts have broadened to encompass the entire protected area, this includes other mammal species, plant life, and even the human inhabitants of the area.

Symbolic Value and Impact

  • The Przewalski’s horse holds significant symbolic value in Mongolian culture, which contributed to making it an important flagship species for the area’s conservation and management programs.
  • The success of the re-introduction program for the Przewalski’s horses demonstrates their usefulness as a flagship species. Their re-introduction not only facilitated their survival but also contributed to the wider ecosystem conservation and rejuvenation efforts in the area.

Cite This Article

APA
Kaczensky P, Ganbaatar O, von Wehrden H, Enksaikhan N, Lkhagvasuren D, Walzer C. (2007). Przewalski’s Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) Re-introduction in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area: from Species to Ecosystem Conservation. Mong J Biol Sci, 5(1-2), 13-18. https://doi.org/10.22353/mjbs.2007.05.03

Publication

Mongolian journal of biological sciences
ISSN: 1684-3908
NlmUniqueID: 101570363
Country: Mongolia
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 13-18

Researcher Affiliations

Kaczensky, P
  • Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna Savoyenstrasse 1, A-1160 Vienna, Austria, chris.walzer@vu-wien.ac.at.
Ganbaatar, O
    von Wehrden, H
      Enksaikhan, N
        Lkhagvasuren, D
          Walzer, C

            Grant Funding

            • P 18624 / Austrian Science Fund FWF

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