Przewalski's Horse

Przewalski's Horse (Equus przewalskii or E. caballus przewalskii), pronounced "(p)she-VAHL-skeez horse", also known as the Mongolian Wild Horse, or Takhi, is the closest living relative of the Domestic Horse and may in fact be the same species. Authorities differ about the correct classification. The two are the only equids that can cross-breed and produce fertile offspring.

Appearance and behaviour

Przewalski's Horse is stockily built in comparison to domesticated horses, with shorter legs. Typical length is about 2.1 metres (7 ft) with a 90 cm (3 ft) tail. They weigh around 350 kilograms (770 lb). The coat varies from dark brown around the mane (which stands erect) to pale brown on the flanks and yellowish-white on the belly. The legs of the Przewalski's Horse are often faintly striped, suggesting an ancient common heritage with the zebra.

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In the wild, Przewalski's Horses live in social groups consisting of a dominant male, several mares, and their offspring. Each group has a well-defined home range; within the range, the herd travels between three and six miles a day, spending time grazing, drinking, using salt licks, dozing, and taking mud baths. At night, the herd clusters and sleeps for about four hours.

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Fillies leave their natal groups around age 2, and look for a herd to join, after which they will begin to breed. Colts are driven out when they are about three years old, and spend a year or two in small bachelor herds, practicing fighting. At around age 5, a stallion will try to pass on his genes by attempting to take over an existing herd, stealing one or more mares from another stallion's harem, or gathering unattached fillies.

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