Takhi


Takh (plural Takhi) is the Mongolian name for Equus przewalski or Przewalski's Horse.

As its European name suggests, the Takh (rhymes with "car key") does look very similar to a domestic horse (Equus caballus) but this is deceptive. Takhi, like zebra and the extinct tarpan, are a wild species and have never been domesticated or ridden. They predate the evolution of the domestic horse and are genetically distinct--while a domesticated horse have 64 chromosomes, the Takh has 66.

The Takh is a stocky animal with a short, strong neck. Their withers measure 1.3m or about 13 hands. Their bodies are a sandy dun colour which fades to cream towards their belly. A dark stripe (known as an "eel stripe") runs along the spine to merge with a dark haired tail covered with short light dockhairs. In domestic horses the dockhairs are long, giving the tail a fuller appearance.

Takhi have stripes across the back of their legs like zebras and their nose (known as a "mealy nose") is a pale cream colour. Takhi's manes are short and erect and do not extend beyond the animals' ears. There is no hair to fall forward to form a forelock. In spring, the mane is shed along with the winter coat and a new one is grown.

The Takh is naturally very shy. When first discovered by Europeans in the early 1900's, they were reported to run away when humans approached closer than 300 to 400 m. Many generations in captivity diminished some of their cautious nature, however, the Takhi released at the park are again learning to be wary of humans and will not allow researchers to come within reach.

 

 

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