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857 Featured Specimen
Wild horse

Details

Wild horse

Equus ferus

Size
2–2.5 m · 250–350 kg
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Sociality
Herd
Lifespan

Wild horse is a wild horse lineage associated with open steppe and herd life. Its taxonomy and naming are complex because extinct tarpans and reintroduced Przewalski-type horses are involved.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
PalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It once ranged widely across Eurasian steppe and semi-desert, with surviving managed populations in reserves and reintroduction areas. Main habitat types in this guide are grassland, desert.

Appearance

Typical length 200-250 cm, weight 250 kg-350 kg. A sturdy body, upright short mane, dark dorsal stripe, and dun coat are characteristic.

Behavior

It is diurnal and a herd-forming species. Groups centered on mares and foals move together, while stallions defend bands or territories.

Feeding

It is herbivorous. Grasses, sedges, and dry stems are grazed for long periods.

Reproduction

Mares bear single foals that stand quickly and follow the herd.

Notes

Its limited range makes protection and habitat management important. Its taxonomy and naming are complex because extinct tarpans and reintroduced Przewalski-type horses are involved.