Nature Conservation

Semi-reserves offer the opportunity to keep Przewalski’s horses in a more natural environment and to monitor horses under semi-wild conditions. Studies reveal that Przewalski’s horses are still able to adjust to different free ranging conditions without showing behavioural or genetic deficiencies, although they have experienced two bottlenecks and spent many generations in captivity. Nature conservation also benefits from keeping Przewalski’s horses in semi-reserves since they contribute to the preservation of endangered plant- and animal species in European habitats (Zimmermann, 2005).

In 1992 two areas in Mongolia had been chosen for reintroduction of Przewalski’s horses: Hustain–Nuruu (www.Treemail.nl/takh, www.hustai.mn) a mountainous steppe region (50.000 ha), located in the north of Mongolia about 150 km from the capital Ulaanbaator and the Gobi Bl (www.takhi.org) (950.000 ha) in the northeastern part of the Dzungarian Gobi. The Przewalski’s horse population in the Hustai national park comprising about 200 individuals is now able of self sustaining reproduction. The horse population in the Gobi B including approximately 100 individuals is making great progress, but is still vulnerable. A harsh winter could jeopardize their existence.

The reintroduction project in Hustain-Nuruu was set within the context of biodiversity preservation. The exclusion of domestic livestock and the return of indigenous animal species as well as grazing pressure of horses lead to an increase in plant diversity. This emphasizes the important role of Przewalski’s horses in the entire ecosystem of their habitats.

Both reintroduction projects would have not become that successful, if local people had not been involved from the beginning. Biodiversity preservation and socio-economic activities offer the platform for successful reintroduction programmes.