Przewalski's horse
IUCN Red List status
Programme roles
 |
• Insurance population The EAZA population of Przewalski’s horses has been established as an insurance population already and will continue to be so into the future. • Population restoration The EAZA population of Przewalski’s horses has been used before to help restore the in situ population and will continue to do so into the future. • Capacity building The experience in small population management can benefit zoos in range. Initially links with zoos in Kazakhstan will be explored to share more knowledge and improve standards. This may in future help the establishment of further breeding centres in range. |
 |
• Conservation education Przewalski’s horse is a model species for reintroduction success and explaining the essential role the zoo community and integrated conservation (links in situ and ex situ management) can play in saving a species. Additionally, there is an important message to spread that major and long-term investment and commitment are needed to continue protecting the species; the job is never done. • Research The EEP population can play a part in adding to understanding the general biology of the species, but also expand to veterinary research on hoof issues as well as behavioural challenges. Both topics can inform management of the wild populations. • Fundraising The programme will help raise funds to ensure long term support for projects that implement pre- and post-reintroduction monitoring. |
 |
• Education The Przewalski’s horse is the only existing wild horse. The programme will focus on explaining the difference between feral and wild horses. As well as how the reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses is different from the Rewilding concept, where feral horses (tarpan and konik) are used. |
Programme numbers
In December 2020, the Przewalski's horse EEP had 836 animals in 77 institutions (319 horses managed under semi-free conditions in Horotbágyi NP in Hungary).
Programme highlights
- On pages 18-19 of Zooquaria issue 110 (Winter 2021) you can find an article about Regional Collection Plan of the Equid TAG.
- EAZA published its 2021 Annual TAG Report.
This work is supported by the European Union LIFE NGO funding programme. The European Union is not responsible for the views displayed in publications and/or in conjunction with the activities for which the grant is used.