Przewalski’s Horse

Przewalski's Horse

The Przewalski’s horse or Dzungarian horse is a very rare subspecies of endangered wild Asian horses native to the steppes.

Scientific Name – Equus ferus przewalskii

Classification – Equus ferus

Gender Names – Male – stallion, stud; Female – mare, dam; Baby – foal, colt (male), filly (female)

Collective Noun – Herd

Length/Size – 12–14 hands (48–56 inches, 122–142 cm), length is about 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in)

Weight – 300 kilograms (660 lb)

Life Expectancy – 20 – 25 years; average 20 in captivity

Mating Season  Reproduction process is seasonal; in Mongolia the season is towards the end of either May, June, or July

Gestation Period – 11 to 12 months

Special Features  Stockily built in comparison to domesticated horses; has shorter legs; uses its teeth and strong legs for self-defense

Social Structure – Live in small, permanent family groups consisting of one adult stallion, one to three mares, and their common offspring

Geographical Distribution – Central Asia

Natural Habitat – The steppes

World Population – 1,500 (early 1990s)

Conservation Status – Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Critically Endangered, Endangered

Diet – Mostly vegetation consisting of many types of plants

Predators – Wolves