Wild horse

One of the prehistoric horses, it is the true forefather of today’s horses

US Forest Service

This extinct species is the most likely ancestor of all modern horses. Commonly named Tarpan is a primitive European wild horse that once ranged from southern Spain and France eastward to central Russia.
Their prehistoric stone age paintings suggest they have lived in Europe for a long time. After the ice ages, with an increase in the human population, their herds gradually dwindled and became less abundant.

At the end of 1879, the last wild Tarpan was killed in Ukraine in an attempt to catch and domesticate. Extensive hunting for the flesh, conflict with farmers, destruction of natural (forests; steppe) habitats, and hybridization are the main reasons for extinction.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
China
2014
Kazakhstan
0
Official estimate
EX
2014
Extinct locally
Mongolia
2014
Reintroduced
Russia
0
Official estimate
EX
2014
Extinct locally
Ukraine
0
Official estimate
EX
2014
Extinct locally

Did you know?

  • When the Tarpan was first studied scientifically by the 18th century, there were probably very few pure bloodline Tarpans, as most had mated with domestic stock.
  • Evidence shows wild horses lived in a continuous range from western Europe to Alaska (i.e., continental Europe and the Eurasian steppe), except for parts of Iceland, Scandinavia, and Ireland.
  • It is believed that they used to look very much like the Przewalskii, except for a grayer coat.
  • The last true Tarpan died in captivity at Munich Zoo in 1887.
  • After extinction, efforts were made to recreate the breed. The modern Tarpan is a genetic recreation of the original wild breed that bears a close physical resemblance to its ancient ancestor. Still, it is not as sturdy and robust as pure blood (original).
  • Wild horses farmer conflict- farmers did not want the wild Tarpans eating their crops or stealing their tame mares, so they hunted herds of Tarpans.
  • The farmers in Eastern Europe treated the Tarpan the same way as mustangs, and wild burros were treated in the United States in the 21st century.

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No