Between 1985 and 1991 18 Przewalski’s horses from European and North American zoos were imported to the Wild Horse Breeding Centre (WHBC) near Jimsar. Eleven individuals founded today’s population. During 20 years of breeding 234 foals were born.

The first attempt to reintroduce Przewalski’s horses into the wild was not successful. The acclimatization enclosure, where horses reside at least one year prior to reintroduction, was too far north. The winter in northern regions is long and harsh with extreme snowfall. This climate offers optimal conditions for vegetation growth in spring, but makes it difficult for horses to forage during winter months. Experience gained in other projects also suggests that reintroduced individuals need several years to cope with environmental conditions (Wakefield 2002).

Beside climatic impact, the enclosure was located much to close to migration routes of nomads. Encounters between wild horses and domestic livestock were inevitable and might have led to undesirable hybridization or infectious diseases.

Saiga antelope

Cao Jie, the head of the breeding centre, decided to cooperate within a global network. In 2004 first meetings with representatives of EEP and SSP were organized and actions were taken shortly afterwards. Three issues were pointed out:

1. Identifying new biotopes offering optimal conditions for reintroduction.
2. Development of a socio - economical survey for nomads. Strategies are devised in order to prevent hybridization and overgrazing.
3. Participation of Przewalski’s horses managed within the EEP and SSP population in order to contribute to genetic diversity.

In 2005 six stallions from the European collection arrived in their historical habitat (to introduce fresh blood to the existing horse breed) and two harem herds were arranged, each with one imported stallion. Both groups are supposed to move into new acclimatization enclosures, which have been established in areas with optimal vegetation stock and milder winters with less snowfall. They are expected to be released in summer 2006. At present 36 horses (three harem- and two bachelor groups) roam through the Kalameili nature reserve. The carrying capacity of this area is carefully estimated at 500 horses

The project will be accompanied by cooperative research work, including Chinese, German and American colleagues. The Kalameili Reserve lies between two tourist’s centers – The Altai Mountains north and the Tien-Shan with the historic Silk Road in the southern part - and chances are promising that it will be become the status of a national park.
We want to invite you to participate in the return of the Przewalski’s horse. Our special thanks to those who have already become engaged in this project!

Article
Przewalskipferde auf dem Weg zur Wiedereinbürgerung – Verschiedene Projekte im Vergleich –
Waltraut Zimmermann