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Wild horse - EQUUS PRZEWALSKI
Endangered
Class: Animals with Milk Glands (Mammalia)
The Name "Horse": The words "horse" and "equus" both derive from the same ancient Aryan word for horse, attesting to how long this animal has been domesticated by man.
Location: Mongolia.
Habitat: Terrestrial. Grassland and steppe.
Description: The wild horse's coat is reddish brown on the flanks, becoming gradually paler towards the underside. In summer the coat is considerably shorter than in winter. The mane is dark brown and permanently erect, similar to the zebra. It has long, slender limbs with 1 large hoof (toenail) on each foot. Not including the tail, wild horses are approximately 9 feet long, but only four to five feet tall at the shoulder. They weigh approximately 800 pounds, with females slightly smaller.
Behavior: This is the only wild horse remaining in the world and may belong to the same species as the domestic horse. Wild horses have been nearly wiped out, and it is no longer possible to happen upon the large herds that used to be commonplace. Today the wild horse is being interbred with domestic horses in Mongolia, and before long the species may die out altogether in the wild. "Wild" horses earn their name, constantly on the alert for enemies (both man and wolves). They can defend themselves quite vigorously with kicks and bites. It can live upwards of 30 years. They can go a long time without water, feeding exclusively on grass.
Reproduction: After an 11 to 12 month gestation period, a foal is born, usually in April or May.
Go to the Odd-toed Ungulates Page to learn more about this small order of animals.
Go to the Zebra, or the Onager to see the only other horse-like animals listed in America Zoo.
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