Study Notes on Wild Species and Biodiversity

Wild Species and Biodiversity

Chapter 6 - Part 1 Overview

• Course: Cameron University

• Focus: Understanding the value of wild species, threats to biodiversity, and conservation strategies.

Learning Objectives

• Define and give examples of both the instrumental and intrinsic value of wild species.

• Explain the causes, extent, relations to human activities, and impacts of the tremendous loss of species occurring today.

• Describe how cutting-edge science, policies for protection, and changes in public thinking can be used to protect wild species.

• Outline at least three international efforts aimed at protecting wild species.

Key Topics

1. Reintroduction of Extinct Species

   • Focus on:

     • North American Bison

     • Przewalski’s Horse (Wild Asian Horse)

     • Possible future reintroduction of Mammoths

2. The Value of Wild Species and Biodiversity

3. Biodiversity: Decline and Consequences

4. Saving Wild Species

5. Protecting Biodiversity

Reintroduction of the Wild Asiatic Horse

Project Background

• Goals: Reintroduction of the Przewalski's Horse to Mongolian Rangelands.

• Key Contributors:

  • Dodd, Rangeland Ecologist, USA

  • Zimmerman, Zoologist, Cologne Zoo, Germany

  • Gunin, Soil Scientist, Russia

  • Dulamsuren, Wildlife Biologist, Mongolia

  • Buyan-Orshikh, Botanist, Mongolia

  • Ryder, Zoologist, San Diego Zoo, USA

• Funding Source: United Nations Development Program (1993).

Geographic Context

• Original Range:

  • Equus ferus Przewalskii spans areas including:

  • Ural Mountains (UK)

  • Eurasian Steppe

  • Budapest

  • Beijing

Physiographic Features of Mongolia

• Regions:

  • Mongolian Plateau

  • Inner Mongolia (a region in China)

• Ecosystems:

  • Meadow Steppe

  • Typical Steppe

  • Desert Steppe

  • Gobi Desert

Species Information

Common Names of Przewalski’s Horse

• Takhi (Mongolian Name)

• Przewalski Horse

• Wild Asiatic Horse

• P Horse

• Scientific Classification:

  • Species: Equus ferus Przewalskii

Genetic Information

• Three subspecies of Equus ferus exist, with one being extinct.

• Equus ferus Przewalskii has 66 chromosomes.

• Equus ferus caballus: all domestic horses on Earth have 64 chromosomes.

• Historical Context: Last wild population found in Gobi, Mongolia (1968); current population of approximately 2,500 originates from just 13 individuals in zoos.

• Genetics of these individuals are documented through blood typing and some DNA typing.

Master Plan for Reintroduction

• Objectives: Establish a free-ranging, self-sustaining population of Takhi.

• Team Formation: Assemble multi-disciplinary experts

• Methodology:

  • Review existing information and consult experts/government officials.

  • Evaluate potential reintroduction areas based on various factors:

  • Physical traits

  • Social traits

  • Biological traits

  • Engage with nomads and local political leaders.

  • Determine specifications for the reintroduction process.

  • Write comprehensive documentation detailing all findings and plans.

Factors for Selection of Reintroduction Area

• Human population densities and associated social factors.

• Interactions with domestic and feral horses along with native ungulates.

• Availability of vegetation/forage sufficient for the species.

• Secure water supply, either from natural water or snow.

• Assessment of pest and predator populations, particularly wolves.

• Terrain and natural features suitable for habitat (e.g., wind shelters).

• Weather conditions including snow cover and extremes.

• Access to necessary support services.

• Security considerations relative to international borders.

Evaluation of Reintroduction Areas

• Evaluation by the joint Russian-Mongolian Biological Expedition (1987-1991) and UNDP team (1993).

• Top Evaluation Sites:

  • Takhin Shar: 1st choice site

  • Hustain Nuruu: 2nd choice site.

Takhin Shar - Details

Environment Assessment

• Topography: Diverse terrain supportive of a variety of habitats.

• Water Resources: Three oases and geographical relief suitable for snow catchment.

• Habitat Variety: Includes low mountains and relatively mild winters.

• Biodiversity: Moderate to high populations of wolves, leopards, and native ungulates.

• Human Factors: Low population density (approximately 100 families); local population shows willingness to adapt land use for conservation.

• Support for Project: Locals are supportive, seeking improvements in local education and infrastructure. Military presence viewed as cooperative.

Components of the 1993 Master Plan

• Synthesis of team findings into detailed action plans.

• Descriptions of the release area and acclimation site facilities.

• Specifications for acclimation and release timelines.

• Biological assessments including genetics, predator management, and disease control.

• Sociological considerations regarding land use and local community engagement.

• Monitoring protocols, including research, education and outreach, adaptive management strategies, and budget allocations.

Progress and Challenges Since 1993

• Key Organizations Involved:

  • International Takhi Group

  • Species Survival Program from American Zoo Association and National Zoo, D.C.

• Challenges Faced:

  • High shipping costs (~$15,000/horse).

  • Inequitable distribution of horses among sources leading to financial constraints and cooperation issues.

  • Tension between scientific approaches and non-scientific philosophies.

• Political Issues: International political dynamics impact cooperation and resource allocations.

Current Status (2009-10) of the Reintroduction Efforts

• Severe losses reported: >50% of horses and 70-90% of domestic livestock in SW Mongolia due to:

  • Interaction with tick-borne diseases

  • Predation by wolves

  • Triggered by extreme winter weather conditions.

• Population Update: As of 2018, there are approximately 235 live horses in the population.