In a bid to save endangered Przewalski's horses from inbreeding, 40 of these rare animals were transferred between nature reserves in northwest China's Gansu Province last weekend! 🚚 The move, dubbed a 'genetic rescue mission,' aims to mix British and German lineage herds to strengthen wild populations. 🌍
Scientists at the Dunhuang West Lake reserve will monitor the horses in semi-captive conditions before their 2024 wild release. 'We're giving them the best shot at survival,' said conservation leader Sun Weigang. 🧬
Fun fact: These sandy-maned equines – China's only wild horse species – once went extinct in nature during the 1960s! Through international cooperation, conservationists have rebuilt populations in Xinjiang and Gansu since 1985. 📈 Four new herds have successfully adapted to wetland habitats near Dunhuang since last year's reintroduction.
Next step? Tracking how these 'horse monarchs' thrive in their expanded Gobi Desert territory! 🔍🐾
