Przewalski's horse is the only surviving on the planet kind of wild horses.For a long time they were considered the ancestors of the domestic breeds of horses, however, this assumption was wrong.At the genetic level they have significant differences: the horse Przewalski's 66 chromosomes instead of 64 as in the domestic horse.As it turned out, it was the ancestor of domestic breeds other wild animals - now extinct wild horses.And to the closest relatives of the Przewalski horse include Asiatic wild ass - Asian ass.
Description horse
This animal belongs to a primitive species of horses, because in addition to the characteristic signs of equine retains some signs of a donkey.The height of the Przewalski horse averages 120-135 cm, weight from 200 to 350 kg, wool, yellow-red, and the mane, tail and "stockings" - brownish-black.In the center of the back is a dark stripe.From domestic horses, they are more compact constitution, strong neck rather short, rather short legs.Head at this large animal like a donkey, and ears, on the contrary, small.All the wild horses standing there stiff mane without bangs.
the winter coat in Przewalski horses becomes thick and shaggy, and in the summer - short.It helps animals survive the harsh winters sharply continental climate.
history
Przewalski's horse was found and fixed as a species in Central Asia near Lake Lop Nor in 1879, explorer Nikolai Przewalski.He brought with him from a journey of three young animal skin.Scientists have confirmed the significant differences that wild horses from all domestic species.
In former times there were two kinds of Eurasian wild horses - wild horses and Przewalski's horse.It was found petroglyphs depicting wildlife, which in appearance is very similar to the Przewalski horses.It is therefore very likely that the wild horse has its existence ever since the Paleolithic period in Europe.
Habitat and habits
Under natural conditions, the Przewalski horse walks in the nomadic herd of 5-12 goals.The main one is an experienced stallion who leads his herd in search of food and water.Wild horses are unpretentious and very hardy.They move at a trot or a small step, but in the case of danger, reach speeds up to 60 km / h.
main diet Przewalski horses - prairie grasses and shrubs.In winter, the animals hooves dig up grass and shrubs from the snow.
Horses Przewalski's only natural enemy - the wolves who attack the flock of a herd of horses, drive and discourage weak animals or mare with foal.But the horses are able to defend themselves by tapping hooves.They are arranged in a circle, inside of which are foals, unfold their heads inside the circle and strong hind legs kicking against the attackers.Likewise, lining up in a circle, these animals are also heated and distilled off pesky insects, while in the center is always young and relaxed horse.
Reproduction Mating takes place in natural conditions in the spring.Stallion carefully guarding his herd against potential rivals, and immediately engages in battle if necessary.Pregnancy lasts for almost a year.Only the following spring the female gives birth to one foal.
All foals born so well developed that a few hours after birth may follow her mother.Six months mare feeds the baby with her milk.A completely independent young horses are around the age of three.
Breeding horses
main enemy of these animals proved to be the man who supplanted them out of their natural habitats economic activity or simply peaceable animals during the hunt.As a result, for the 60 years of the last century, the Przewalski horse completely disappeared from the wild.A number of them survive only in zoos and national park Askania Nova (Ukraine).After much hard work, the crossing, about a hundred young animals were released in the reserve Hustai Nuruu in Mongolia.
in the 90s as an experiment three of the herd have been released into the exclusion zone, which arose after the Chernobyl disaster.Horses have become very active breed, no mutation and genetic abnormalities were found.The state of populations of wild horses being closely monitored.Scientists believe that over time the Przewalski horse will regain its strength.
