takhi

Takhi, commonly known as Przewalski's horse, is a small, stocky wild horse native to the steppes of Mongolia and surrounding regions. The name takhi comes from Mongolian, meaning “spirited” or “pure horse.” Taxonomically, it is usually treated as the subspecies Equus ferus przewalskii of the wild horse (Equus ferus); some classifications have treated it as a separate species, Equus przewalskii, but current consensus favors the subspecies designation.

Description: Takhi stand about 1.25 to 1.45 meters tall at the shoulder. They have a dun coat, a short erect mane, a dark dorsal stripe, and lighter underparts. Their legs are relatively short and sturdy, and they typically lack the long forelock seen in domestic horses. Coat colour can lighten in winter, and foals are often marked with pale limb stripes.

Range and status: Historically widespread on the Eurasian steppe, the takhi disappeared from the wild by the late 1960s due to overhunting and habitat loss. All living individuals descend from a small number of wild horses captured in the late 19th century by Nikolai Przhevalsky. Captive-breeding and international reintroduction programs have gradually reestablished wild populations in Mongolia and in several protected sites. It is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Behavior and ecology: Takhi form small bands led by a stallion, typically including several mares and their offspring. They are predominantly grazers, feeding on grasses and forbs, and can browse shrubs in winter. They are well adapted to arid steppe environments and require access to water.

Conservation: The global population is maintained through captive populations and reintroduction efforts coordinated by international partnerships. Notable reintroduction sites are Mongolian protected areas where persistent management supports genetic diversity and population growth.