An introduction to the Quagga.
Zebras, it seems, have lesser striping patterns the farther south they range. In the very southern tip of Africa lived the Cape Quagga, a peculiar sub-species of zebra that was striped only on the head and neck. The back had a reddish saddle patch, and the legs were white. This type of zebra was killed off by hunters in the 1880's. The last known live Quagga died in the Amsterdam zoo in 1886. Today there are only a few preserved skins and some skeletons of Quaggas.
Genetic research has been conducted on the remains of the preserved Quaggas. A re-breeding effort using other Plains zebras with similar markings has been begun in South Africa. To date animals with the same, more, and lesser striping than the parent animals have been produced.
The American Long-Ears Society is one of the supporters of the Quagga Project. Since this Project relies on government funds and outside donations, your help would be greatly appreciated. To send a donation, contact Mr. Reinhold Rau, Sec, Project Quagga, South Africa Museum, Cape Town 8000 South Africa.
The Przewalksi Horse
You may see this horse breed names spelled a number of ways, and pronounced even more! This breed is sometimes referred to as the Mongolian Wild Horse. They are also sometimes called "Taki"by the native people. It is considered to be the last true Wild Horse in the world (mustangs of the American Plains are feral - introduced animals that have gone wild over time - and not truly a wild breed). The Przewalksi horse is short and compact, with large heads and Roman noses. They are always a shade of dun - usually yellow dun, with black points - mane, tail, and lower legs. Some may tend towards a reddish, almost bay tone, but are still considered Dun. They have "Mealy" noses - light hair on the muzzle and around the eyes. This is a dominant trait in horses.
Przewalksi horses look a little mulish, their ears are longer than most horses, and they have upright manes with no true forelock. The chromosome count of this horse is different from domestic breeds as well. (66 instead of the usual 64). However, unlike other hybrids, the cross between a Przewalski and domestic horse is usually fertile.
There is no real indigenous population of these horses left wild. Those now considered to be wild, free-roaming animals are those from t he re-breeding projects that have been released into the wild. (More about Przewaslkis)
The Riowche Horse
Recently a small population of previously unknown horses was discovered near Tibet. The local population has apparently been using this small bred of horse for many generations, and examination of the animals has shown they appear to be of pure Tarpan type! More study is being done on the herd. (You may also see the name spelled a variety of different ways in newspaper articles. )
THIS PAGE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION!! CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Coming soon - Wild Asses: Onager, Kulans, Kiangs, Somalis and more.