The Przewalski Horse Newsletter

The Przewalski Horse
Newsletter
JANUARY 2008
THE TAKHI ALREADY FIFTEEN YEARS
BACK IN MONGOLIA
rises us that within a few hours the
rain starts pouring down.
The staff at Hustai National Park con-
must always stay close to the earth
It's going to be a long eventful day
sidered the fifteenth anniversary of
and remain at the foot of the moun-
and still we are eager to see some
the arrival of the first Przewalski hor-
tain. In the far distance above us we
takhi. The best moment of the day to
ses in Mongolia a real milestone that
hear the beating of the drums and
see Przewalski horses is when dusk
had to be celebrated in one way or the
the rich vibrant sounds of the horns.
sets in and the temperature becomes
other. Various festive activities were
Countless kites are flocking around
refreshingly cool. Then the harems
planned for June 19th and 20th in
the top. An important part of the
will descend one by one down from
Ulaanbaatar and the Park itself to
ceremonial rites is the prayer for
the mountains into valleys aiming
which the FRPH board was invited too.
rain. Last winter went by almost no
for the water sources. On this first
snowfall at all and the following
takhi-”safari” we are fortunate to
As always when we arrive at the Park
spring had been rather dry: the grass
spot a variety of harems and bache-
every member of its staff has come
had turned yellow and the steppe
lor stallions. The harem of Hangai is
to give us a most genial welcome.
failed to show its colourful display of
with eight adult mares, five yearlings
While enjoying a delectable lunch in
flowers. It was not for the first time
and four foals still the largest. It's a
the Park's cosy restaurant we hear
that we witnessed the ceremony at
wonderful sight to see a group like
the latest gossips.
Hustai Mountain and it always surp-
this calmy grazing against a moun-
Us awaits a fully packed programme
of activities in and around Hustai. At
the same time as us three lama
also
had
arrived
tain slope. One new born foal dares
to remove itself a little to far, but is
immediately fetched back by its
from
Ulaanbaatar. They are here to lead
the annual ceremonial on top of
Hustai Mountain that will take place
this afternoon. Accompanied by
many local herdsmen and staff from
Hustai National Park they ascend.
Only the men, because according to
the lamaistic faith women are associated with the earth, therefore they
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
Przewalski Horse January 2008
monks
Fifteen years after the arrival of the
first takhi from the Netherlands there
are already 200 free roaming of them
inside Hustai National Park
1
caring mother. Hangai casts a watch-
trees and criss-crossed with rock for-
He fears that in a condition as such
ful eye at us, but we seem not to bot-
mations. A few hundreds of metres
Amar will have very little change to
her him. Two elderly mares take the
farther away we notice three other
survive the approaching winter.
initiative
descend
stallions. Sitting on top of the rock
toward the valley. Although we see
we can easily follow the course of
On our walk over the rim of the
three other groups they are too far
events. The three stallions are trying
mountain we sometimes have to
off to determine which ones they are.
to inconspicuously come nearer to
wriggle ourselves through narrow
to
gradually
passages in the form of crevices and
An important part of the ceremonial rites
is the prayer for rain.
bushes. Suddenly behind a large boulder we see another stallion. Below
him some mares are grazing and a
new born foal takes all effort to stay
Later on we are being told by the
the harem. However, the harem stal-
upright on its wobbly legs. Beautiful.
wild biologist Uskhu that with ten to
lion has already positioned himself
When the stallion gets somewhat
eighteen members including foals
strategically between his mares and
anxious we retreat from the scene.
that Bernard, so named after the for-
the approaching bachelors. Under
mer
the
the pretence of just grazing they suc-
How many takhi can live in
Netherlands, Tamir, Tom, Temuujin
prince
consort
of
ceed in coming close up to the
Hustai National Park?
and Hangai have the largest harems.
harem. One comes even too close,
Staff biologist Nandia has studied
The average size of the other harems
much to the discomfort of the harem
how the takhi use the area and in par-
varies between two to eight mem-
stallion who in a controlled frenzy,
ticular what their favourite spots are.
bers including foals. This year com-
neck stretched downward, ears flat
Hustai National varies in altitude
paratively more colts were born than
backward, he storms into the other
from 1100 till 1860 metres above sea
fillies. This worries the staff, because
stallion. What follows is a wild frenzy
level. Remarkably the takhi are most-
bachelors are a potential annoyance
of kicks and headers. Then the bach-
ly being seen on slopes with a mild
to the harem stallions. In 2006 the
elor is rapidly chased away. The
inclination of 23 degrees at an altitu-
harems of three nine-year-olds and
other two follow suit, but apparently
de between 1300 and 1600 metres.
also a twelve-year-old were seized by
slower. As this all happens the foals
In summer they prefer to climb as
four bachelors aged six and seven.
and mares have been forming a tight
height as possible (1500 to 1800
Such a take-over goes hand in hand
pack of bodies. The three bachelors
metres). When it gets terribly hot the
with much disturbance and tension
are standing at a distance. Then the
breeze refreshes them and at such
among the horses in the group whe-
mares move onward in the direction
heights there are also less insects.
reby mares and foals could get
seriously hurt or worse. The Hustai
population has always had a minor
representation of stallions, due to
If nature has its cause a more proportional representation
of the sexes will gradually evolve.
Przewalski Horse January 2008
the fact that the Foundation has
2
imported more mares than stallions
of the forest, followed by their stal-
In the autumn and winter they return
into Hustai. If nature has its cause a
lion. Biologists and eco volunteers
to the lower mountain meadows. In
more proportional representation of
have observed that for days such
these seasons and in spring they
the sexes will gradually evolve. Now
small alliances of bachelors will con-
seek refuge in the valleys against the
it's June. There is a total of forty-four
tinue to provoke a harem stallion.
biting icy wind, the cold and the
bachelor stallions roaming about in
Violent engagements are due to
sometimes thick layers of snow.
groups of variable constitution.
occur more than once a day. It might
Some days later when we just arrive
even turn out too much for a stallion.
It is striking that the home ranges of
from a steep climb in the “Valley of
A few days earlier Amar had lost his
some harem groups and bachelor
Bees” we witness how high on the
mares to a young bachelor. We see
groups have grown in size in recent
mountain a harem is harassed by
that he has lost much weight and that
years. In spite of the growing number
some bachelors.
he walks with a serious limp. The
of free roaming takhi the population
A stallion, four mares and some foals
Park's director Bandi tells us that the
density decreased from an average of
are grazing on a beautiful mountain
rival stallion had bitten and destroy-
13 and 11 takhi per 1000 ha in
meadow that is surrounded by birch
ed the sinews of the harem stallions.
2003/2004 to a density of eight in
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
2006. This is a result of the expan-
ty of Hustai National Park: will there
However, Hustai National Park can
sion of the home ranges. In 2003 a
be
surely cope.
harem had an average home range of
Przewalski horses and other wild life?
1017 ha; in 2006 2391 ha. Within the
Hustai's takhi population is slightly
Protection
home ranges are areas that are more
increasing with a mere average
During this journey we traversed the
often frequented than others. Those
growth of only 6.4% during the past
entire Park. It has struck us that now-
are the spots where they come to
five years, which is partly due to foal
here -not even in the Tuul River Valley
graze or quench their thirst and
predation by wolves. The present
– domestic horses were to be seen.
where they feel protected. Again this
200 free roaming takhi take up 47%
Mongolian domestic horses wander
varies per season. The average size
of the Park's terrain, but only a much
freely about and in times of drought
sufficient
resources
for
the
they will be in search of water. Inside
Hustai National Park there are various
It is striking that the home ranges of some harem groups and
bachelor groups have grown in size in recent years.
little streams. The alertness of the
rangers, the improved contacts with
the herdsmen and the undaunted
of the most intensive used part of a
smaller percentage is intensively
reaction by the takhi against trespas-
home ranges was respectively 528 ha
used by them. It will take many years
sing domestic horses have brought
and 926 ha large in 2003 and 2006.
before the ideal number of 500 takhi
much relief over the serious concern
It is still important to gather an
– vital for the future sustainability of
for hybridisation.
understanding of the carrying capaci-
the population - has been reached.
THE FESTIVITIES
airport to welcome “their takhi.” A
and more than twenty in Khomiin Tal
day later a aeroplane arrived from
(West-Mongolia). The reintroduction
The festivities that coincided the
Askania
with
of the Przewalski horses has made it
15th anniversary began on June
Przewalski
for
possible that Hustai Nuruu could
Nova
(Ukraine)
horses
destined
19th. It is already fifteen years ago
that the first group of Przewalski
horses arrived from the Netherlands
in Mongolia. Literally hundreds of
people had come to the Ulaanbaatar
The Natural History Museum of
Ulaanbaatar now contains a special
room about the reintroduction of the
Przewalski
horse
in
Mongolia.
Mr Enkmandag, vice-minister of Nature
and Environment, performed the
opening ceremony of this permanent
exhibition
The reintroduction of the Przewalski horses has made it possible
that Hustai Nuruu could develop in an internationally renowned
national park that offers protection to a unique and diverse
mountain steppe area with an abundant flora and fauna.
Takhiin Tal in the Gobi. Now in 2007
develop in an internationally renow-
there are respectively 200 takhi in
ned national park that offers protec-
Hustai, 110 in the Dzungarian Gobi
tion to a unique and diverse mountain steppe area with an abundant
flora and fauna. The seventy employees are ensured of a steady income.
Of course the Mongolians are right-
Permanent takhi exhibition
Natural History Museum
Ulaanbaatar
Also on June 19th a special permanent feature was opened to the
public by deputy minister of Nature
and
Environment
(MNE)
Mr
Enkhmandag and the Foundation's
Inge Bouman in the Natural History
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
Przewalski Horse January 2008
fully proud of these developments.
3
Museum of Ulaanbaatar. It is an exhi-
were also present. It is a good sign
gramme the late Jan Bouman. The
bition dedicated to the reintroduc-
that the collaboration between the
representatives of the Dutch founda-
tion of the takhi in Mongolia, finan-
three takhi-projects has been strong-
tions really did not what to expect
cially made possible by all three
ly improved. Hustai has received a
when a train of jeeps was ready wai-
reintroduction projects in Mongolia.
request from Takhiin Tal for six adult
ting to go to the Jan Bouman Tolgoi,
The exhibition renders a good
stallions; Takhiin Tal wants to intro-
where in 1997 his ashes were scatte-
insight in the project and it may also
duce fresh genetic input in their
red. When we arrived it became clear
inspire people to come to watch the
takhi population. A festive dinner for
that the staff wanted to erect a special
real thing in Hustai National Park.
all participants in Hotel Ulaanbaatar
ovoo in his honour. Ovoos are big
concluded the symposium.
heaps of stones and significant land-
Press conference
marks in Mongolia. Pebblestones, tiny
The opening of the exhibition was
followed by a well-attended press
conference. Representatives of the
During the press conference the deputy
minister of MNE spoke highly of Hustai
National Park
prayer flags and little gifts are thrown
at the ovoo as a gesture of retribution
to nature and to conciliate the gods
and ancestrial spirits for a safe journey. At the Jan Bouman Tolgoi everyone helped gathering stones needed
for the new ovoo. The new ovoo was
consecrated with milk, rice and morsels of dried Mongolian cheese
(arul).In affective terms Dr Bandi, the
director of Hustai National Park,
spoke about Jan Bouman. He expressed the wish that the memory of Jan
Bouman and the reintroduction of the
takhi will continue to live on in the
hearts and minds of future genera-
three projects answered questions
Jan Bouman's ovoo
tions. A splendidly dressed young girl
from radio, television and newspa-
The next day Hustai National Park
went with us three times round the
per people. A long introductory
was the scene for the continuation of
ovoo; she represented the new gene-
speech was held by the deputy
minister of MNE Dr. Shirivdamda. He
spoke highly of Hustai Park, it being
the only national park in Mongolia
It is a good sign that the collaboration between
the three takhi-projects has been strongly improved.
with an independent organisational
structure and is fully self-supportive
the festivities. The day began with a
ration. Inge Bouman had the honour
without financial input from the
homage to the initiator of the
to attach a prayer flag (khatakh) to the
Mongolian government.
Przewalski horse reintroduction pro-
ovoo. It was all very impressive.
Right now thirteen per cent of the
country's domain is legally protec-
Przewalski Horse January 2008
ted; be it in name only for most
4
In commemoration of the initiator of
the Przewalski horse reintroduction
project in Mongolia, Jan Bouman, the
park staff made an ovoo
Prize-giving
All staff, guests and many national
cases, because the Ministry lacks
and regional authorities were atten-
the necessary financial means to pay
ding the afternoon reception. The
for staff and infrastructure.
perfect moment for speeches and
the distribution of prizes. In his
Takhi symposium
speech the deputy minister for
In the afternoon a scientific symposi-
Nature
um was organised. Mongolian staff
Enkhmandag, not only praised the
from Khomiin Tal, Takhiin Tal and
Park for its steadily growing takhi
Hustai
experiences.
population, but especially for its
Representatives from universities
“eco system approach.” He also sta-
and various scientific institutions
ted that due its unique organisation
exchanged
and
Environment,
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
Mr
This boy from Argalant moved everyone with his golden voice
structure, whereby the local popula-
Party time
tion is represented in the board,
After the official festivities were
Hustai National has gained special
over, the 130 guests were invited
recognition inside Mongolia as well
into the Park’s restaurant, where a
internationally.
beautifully arranged buffet awaited
Thereupon he presented various
them. The culinary staff is getting
staff members with awards. The
steadily more experienced in cate-
Foundation received a high award
ring such large parties. Thereafter it
too. Provincial awards were presen-
was time to party. The merry-
ted to other staff members, who in
making, which lasted far into the
close collaboration with the provin-
night, was enlivened by singers and
cial inspectors and the police help to
even a fire-eater from the three villa-
protect the riverine forests borde-
ges around Hustai National Park.
ring the Tuul River and to act against
Young and old musicians enlivened
poachers and hunters.
the festivities.
RESULTS OF THE WILDLIFE RESEARCH
ACTIVITIES AT HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
become vital for the conservation of
the entire Mongolian population, which
according to recent statistics has alre-
The free roaming Przewalski horses are
as topographical features (forest frin-
ady decreased to a mere 10,000. In
not the only animals that live in the
ges, mountain peaks etc). The spots
recent years the Hustai population has
mountain-forest-steppe terrain, Hustai
where dead animals or what is left of
been fluctuating between 300 and 400
National Park where life is strongly inf-
them are found can be of interest too.
for the period between November and
luenced by weather conditions and
The research mainly focuses on large
April. In May their number falls down
seasonal variation. One of the objects
and small grazers and their natural
to 150, with an absolute low of 50 in
of wildlife research is to acquire an
enemies like the wolves.
July. At the end of May and in the
insight in how those conditions and
Takhi, Mongolian red deer (maral) and
beginning of June the calves are born.
variations influence the inter-action
Mongolian gazelles are the most signi-
When summer has come they leave the
between the different kinds of animals
ficant large herbivores in the area. The
Park for other areas. They will be back
inside and outside the Park. Staff biolo-
maral is the most populous. They have
in September or October for the mating
gist Ushku has incorporated some inte-
been increasing in number (1993: 54;
season.
resting observations in his wildlife
report of 2006 that we do not want to
The research mainly focuses on large and small grazers
and their natural enemies like the wolves.
withhold from you.
Hustai's wildlife is counted by means of
2006: ca. 600) since the Park's protec-
There are considerably less roe deer
so-called transects. Twice-monthly all
tive
effectuated.
than there are red deer in Hustai. This
rangers and biologists simultaneously
Everywhere else in Mongolia the spe-
might well be because of the large pre-
along pre-defined tracks as a whole
cies has dramatically diminished in
sence of the latter. Both feel comforta-
cover most of the Park's terrain. There
number as a result of intensive hun-
ble in forest or terrain patched with
are thirteen of those tracks and the
ting. Maral antlers, tails, penises and
bushes. Alas for then Hustai consists
teams or individual participants set of
testicles are valuable and very profita-
only for 4 % out of forests. There are
very early in the morning. On their way
ble commodities at the black markets.
wild boars too, but as they only come
they make note of every animal they
In the rest of Hustai's own province,
out at twilight they are barely seen.
see, including sex, age, number, whe-
the Tov Aimak, only a few scattered
reabouts and behaviour. With the help
populations can be found. The popula-
The Mongolian gazelle population sea-
of a geographical positioning system
tion that has found refuge inside Hustai
sonally varies from 40 to 300 with its
(GPS) the exact locations are plotted on
National Park surmounts the other
peak in March and low in summer.
maps with additional information such
ones in number and has therefore
Some 70 of them seem to have defini-
measures
were
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
Przewalski Horse January 2008
Since 1993 it has been practice that
5
The black stork nests in
Hustai National Park
tively abstained from migrating and
ger get a stronger appetite for meat.
and are no catch for hungry wolves.
Under the guidance of the old wolves
Uskhu, the wildlife biologist, is concer-
the cubs first learn to hunt the mar-
ned about the effect of wolf predation
mots that live near the family den. A
on the takhi foals. According to his
deer calf that lies stock-still in wait for
own calculations foal mortality has
its mother to return is a favourite prey
risen (2005 and 2006) from less than
too. As soon as the new calves are able
40% to more than 50% each year. In
to follow their mothers and keep up
1997 a first foal was wounded and kil-
with herd many marals will move out
led by wolves. With the natural growth
of Hustai National Park. Domestic
of the takhi population the number of
goats and sheep are another important
wolf victims also increased. Foal mor-
component on the wolves' menu, but it
tality has many causes, but it still is
now have found permanent abode inside the Park. Here the hunting herdsmen cannot hurt or kill them. In the
summer the herdsmen bring their ani-
Within the animal community relationships live by
the maxim of “who eats whom” or “who procreates”
mals to the banks of the Tuul River. For
the gazelles the sign to move. When in
is also the season that the herdsmen
remarkable that of all investigated
autumn the herdsmen are returning
move their livestock to the summer
cases of foal mortality 46% was due to
from the open plains to the comforta-
pastures along the river. This means
wolf predation (2006). In the USA and
ble closeness of the winter pastures
that the wolves have to overcome lar-
in Canada it was found out that wolves
near the mountains, the gazelles cross
ger distances to get to the desirable
prefer wild grazers above livestock. In
the frozen Tuul into the riverine forests
sheep and goats. It takes a bigger
Canada they prefer caribou and in the
where they will be protected from the
effort and an equally bigger demand on
USA red deer. Uskhu fears that Hustai's
icy cold.
their energy resources to catch this
wolves are developing a prefence for
kind of prey, which goes for the young
maral and takhi. His idea is to intensify
In summer goitred gazelles, Siberian
as well for the old wolves. It costs less
the nightly patrols in May, June and July
ibex and magnificently horned Argali
energy to catch prey nearby the own
in order to scare away the wolves and
sheep are to seen in small quantities.
den. That is why in June and July the
to protect the harems. Wolves are
For them Hustai is only a passing sta-
newly born foals are more likely to get
afraid of humans. Hunting is strictly
tion on their trek to other areas.
caught than a few months later in
prohibited inside Hustai National Park.
autumn and winter. By then they will
However, many now raise the question
Within the animal community relations-
have grown and have become less vul-
whether it should be tolerable to allow
hips live by the maxim of “who eats
nerable, causing fewer victims. It is the
a moderate killing of wolves until the
whom” or “who procreates”
time when the marals will come back in
takhi population has become less vul-
their largest number. The herdsmen
nerable. There are also those who think
Wolves have a dominant position in the
and their animals have also returned to
that nature should have its course.
food chain; they excel in stalking and
the outside borders of the Park. The
They argue that selection will make the
killing small and large herbivores alike.
wolves' main course consists of sheep,
population stronger and healthier.
Other canine species in the area are red
goat and maral. The marmots have
Fortunately the number of Przewalski
fox and corsac fox; the former is much
gone in hibernation deep underground
horses and marals is still growing.
more common than the latter is.
Przewalski Horse January 2008
Felines like lynx and manul (steppe
6
wild cat) are sporadically seen. The
same goes for the Eurasian badger. For
those species it is difficult to estimate
individual numbers.
The height of the birth season of takhi
and marals is coincidal. Then, between
May and the first half of June, the wolf
IN MEMORIAM
On June 21 2007 the German veterinarian Karl-Ernst Franke passed away at the
age of 76. Together with the caretaker Jochen Haucke of the Sprakel semireserve
near Meppen he attended the Przewalski horses there. Karl-Ernst, who was
affectionately called Kola by his familiars, was an inspired, conscientious
practitioner. He was always there when the Przewalski horses called for attention.
In the anteroom of his practice he had placed a collecting-box for the Przewalski
horses. In his spare time he could stand for hours on end with his dachshund
on leash enjoying the behaviour of the Przewalski horses. In 1998 he had the
opportunity to accompany the fourth transport of Przewalski horses to Mongolia.
The care for the Przewalski horses has brought many different people together.
We will never forget his kindness and involvement with the Przewalski horses.
cubs that have meanwhile grown big-
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
Local herdsmen have built a dam to
slow down the drainage of rainwater in
order to join issue with soil erosion
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUFFER ZONE
At present there are thirty-four herds-
followed training programmes in
man collectives in the buffer zone that
mutual co-operation and consultation,
immediately
organisation
surrounds
Hustai
National Park. Fifteen of those collec-
building,
conflict
management and market efficiency.
tives are highly active. In June 2007
we had the opportunity to visit one of
The sale of their products such as
the oldest collectives, which now con-
wool, meat, fermented horse milk
sists of twenty families. They are
(airag) and felt products, is growing.
mainly herdsmen who were used to
After a brief practical course provided
place and thus prevent erosion.
pasture their animals in and around
by the project many women took the
Some groups west of Hustai National
what is now Hustai National Park.
initiative to receive tourists in a for
Park are very keen on following cour-
When Hustai National Park became a
that purpose furnished ger. That night
ses in market gardening. The buffer
restricted protected area, in which
the women treated us upon a deli-
zone project helps them with loans
pasturing was no longer allowed,
cious meal consisting of minced meat
for buying seeds for sowing, repara-
there
trouble.
wrapped in dough (khuusur) and
tion of drainage systems and mate-
Nowadays they are very proud of their
had
been
much
chunks of mutton cooked with hot
rials for the construction of basic
good relationship with the staff of the
stones in a milk churn (khorkhog). A
hothouses. They are proud that they
National Park. They sense support for
whole range of felt products, like pur-
can supply their group with the own
their initiatives and activities. Glowing
ses and slippers was exposed for
greens. In two years time one group
with pride a herdsman showed us a
sale. The women of the collective
succeeded in producing a surplus of
large map of his collective’s summer
make them in winter when there is
cucumbers, cabbages and potatoes,
and winter pastures around Hustai
less other activity.
which they were able to sell with
National Park. The biologists have helped the herdsmen to determine the
carrying capacity of their pasture
grounds. The water resources for livestock were repaired and are now
For instance a recently formed group, south of
Hustai National Park, has been occupied with the building
of a small dam in the Tuul River Valley.
being maintained by the herdsmen
themselves. The mayor of the village
Each of the different herdsman col-
profit to outsiders.
Argalant, to which they belong, has
lectives has its own special needs
The buffer zone as a whole is doing
ensured that incoming groups of
and desires. For instance a recently
well. In June 2006 Crown Prince
migrating herdsmen from elsewhere
formed group, south of Hustai
Willem-Alexander and his spouse
will receive no permission to make
National Park, has been occupied
Princess Maxima visited some of
use of the summer or winter pastures
with the building of a small dam in
these herdsman collectives. A few
of the collective. The herdsmen also
the Tuul River Valley. When it rains
months later the Dutch minister of
the dam will collect the water, pre-
International Co-operation also visi-
venting it from a too rapid outlet into
ted some groups. The staff of Hustai
the river. This will keep the soil in
National Park had the impression
In the village Altan Bulag jobless
women are earning some income by
making felt products for the Park’s souvenir shop
that the project had made much
impact on the honourable guests.
on the decision by the Dutch
Embassy in Beijing to prolong the
financial support for the Buffer Zone
Project, which will expire at the end
of 2008, for a consecutive phase of
four years. This second phase will
endure until 2012. It is a big moral
boost for the Park as well as for the
people that live around it.
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h
Przewalski Horse January 2008
This might have had some influence
7
THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION IN 2007
Refreshment course for Hustai National
without financial backing from the Mongolian
Park biologists
Ministry
In the first two weeks of January the two takhi
Therefore, the letter by the minister of MNE in
biologists of Hustai National Park, Uskhu and
which he claims to have the right to appoint a
Nandia, went to Cologne Germany for an
new park director when the current director
extra training in ecological behavioural
goes into retirement was received with dis-
research by Dr Franziska Roth, who has conf-
may. The Trust wants to appoint a successor
erred a doctor's degree in this discipline with
to Dr Bandi by its own right. Legal advice was
research of the Przewalski horses living in the
requested from the Foundation in the
Pentazug semi-reserve in the Hortobagy area
Netherlands. FRPH board member Norbert de
of
Hungary.
Contrary
Nature
and
Environment.
Europe,
Munnik is a lawyer with a specialisation in
ecological/behavioural research is still an
administrative legislation. In January 2007 he
underdeveloped
discipline
to
of
in
On the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary Inge Bouman presents on
behalf of the Foundation the director of
Hustai National Park, Dr Bandi, with the
book about the reintroduction of the
takh and the development of the Park.
All income derived from the selling of
the book is for the benefit of the Park
Mongolia.
travelled to Ulaanbaatar to team up with his
Acquiring insight in the behaviour of the free
Mongolian colleague Mr Erdenebayar for a
roaming takhi, their spatial distribution, food
fact-finding mission. Their conclusions were
preference, social behaviour and interaction
bundled in a report that was accompanied by
The Przewalski stallions at the
with other species of animal is essential to
a frank recommendation, which was handed
Goudplaat.
define the adaptation process and their survi-
over by the chairman of the Trust Mr Enkhbold
The stallions at the Goudplaat are doing
val in Hustai National Park. The two-week trai-
to the minister of MNE. Mr Enkhbold, who is
fine. The ten year old Burganbileg has taken
ning schedule was devised on basis of a list of
also Mongolia's current minister of Foreign
over the leadership’s position from the eigh-
questions the two biologists had put forward.
Affairs, soon hopes to discuss this well-foun-
teen year old Usch. There is sufficient food
At the request of the Foundation Franziska
ded case in the cabinet.
to find for all five of them and they have
built up a good condition for the winter.
Hustai is the only independent national park of Mongolia
and it operates fully without financial backing from the
Mongolian Ministry of Nature and Environment.
Twice a year FRPH-board member Renée
Meissner, expert on horse breeding and grazing projects in Dutch nature areas visits the
area to evaluate the condition of its vegetation. She and the caretaker Wim de Kok will
Roth will also write a practical manual for eco-
Book
decide whether extra feeding is needed and
volunteers, who participate in takhi research
In December 2006 the long awaited The Tale
if so when it will be distributed.
every year.
of the Przewalski's horse – coming home to
Przewalski Horse January 2008
Mongolia
8
came
out.
The
Netherlands
Progress sheep dog project
Committee for IUCN decided to put the book
The staff of Hustai National Park in collabora-
in the floodlights at their New Year reception.
tion with local herdsmen has set up a breeding
A perfect occasion to celebrate with all people
and training kennel for the Mongolian “four-
that have put their effort in the materialisation
eyed” ghartz. These mastiffs will be used to
of the book or who have contributed finan-
defend the local livestock against wolves on
cially. The well-attended reception took place
the prowl. The Dutch initiators are Hans
on January 24th in the Hortus Botanicus of
Hovens, Grietje Lenstra-Hovens and Rene
Amsterdam. Co-author Piet Wit presented the
Henkens. An animated discourse by the latter
book to Mr A. Oostra, former ambassador to
before an audience of Rotarians in his home-
Mongolia and Director-General of the Ministry
town Amersfoort led to a generous donation
of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
of € 1000 for the continuation of the project.
The Foundation is exceptionally content that
all selling proceeds will be for the benefit of
National
Park.
Meanwhile
the
Colophon
“Przewalski-Horse” is a joint issue of
the Foundation for the Preservation
and Protection of the Przewalski
Horse and the Foundation Reserves
Przewalski Horse.
Boomdijk 43, 3286 LD KLAASWAAL
Tel.: 31-186-574493
Fax: 31-186-574869
E-mail: [email protected]
Postbank: 3808754
ABN/AMRO: 50.23.26.131
Text:
Inge Bouman
Editors:
A.M. Groeneveld
P.G.W. Klandermans
Translated by:
P.G.W. Klandermans
Legal advice
Hustai
Hustai National Park is managed by an inde-
Foundation managed to sell 120 copies at the
pendent Mongolian trust: Hustai National Park
rate of € 39,50. How many copies there have
Printing:
Plusprint - Hoogvliet
Trust (HNPT). Hustai is the only independent
already been sold in Hustai National Park is
ISSN: 0167 - 787X
national park of Mongolia and it operates fully
yet unknown.
M e e t t h e P r z e w a l s k i H o r s e o n t h e i n t e r n e t : h t t p : / / w w w. t r e e m a i l . n l / t a k h