Przewalski's Horse: The History and Biology of an Endangered Species

by Lee Boyd (Editor), Katherine A. Houpt (Editor)

Overview

Przewalski's horse, the only true horse never to have been domesticated, is believed to be extinct in the wild. Experts from around the world come together in this book and offer a complete synthesis of knowledge about the species to date. Topics included are taxonomy, morphology, former geographic distribution, history in captivity, the studbook, genetics, population biology, nutrition, veterinary care, reproduction, and behavior. Implications for management are also included and are especially relevant in light of recent plans to attempt the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses into the wild. This book provides a valuable reference to those charged with managing this endangered species in captivity and implementing its reintroduction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791418901
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	07/28/1994
Series:	SUNY series in Endangered Species
Pages:	313
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Lee Boyd is Assistant Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at Washburn University. Katherine A. Houpt, V.M.D. is Professor of Physiology at Cornell University.

Table of Contents

Figures

Tables

Acknowledgments

A Note to the Reader

1. Introduction
Lee Boyd and Katherine A. Houpt

2. The History of Przewalski's Horse
Inge and Jan Bouman

3. Morphology, Habitat, and Taxonomy
Colin P. Groves

4. The Studbook
Jiri Volf

5. Genetic Studies of Przewalski's Horses and their Impact on Conservation
Oliver A. Ryder

6. Population Biology
Jonathan D. Ballou

7. Nutrition and Feeding
Harold F. Hintz

8. Husbandry
Michael D. LaRue

9. Veterinary Care
Katherine A. Houpt

10. Reproduction in the Przewalski's Horse
S. L. Monfort, N. P. Arthur, and D. E. Wildt

11. Activity Patterns
Lee Boyd and Katherine A. Houpt

12. Social Behavior
Katherine A. Houpt and Lee Boyd

13. Reintroduction
Inge Bouman, Jan Bouman, and Lee Boyd

14. Conclusion
Lee Boyd and Katherine A. Houpt

References

Contributors

Index

Editorial Reviews

"This book is an excellent review of current knowledge of this endangered species. It should be of interest to scientists from various disciplines of biology and behavior, as well as the managers of zoos and wildlife parks. It is a gathering, between two covers, of the knowledge of several eminent scientists who have spent years studying the biology and behavior of Przewalski's horse." — Sharon L. Crowell-Davis, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia

"Everything you wanted to know about the horse's only wild cousin, from taxonomic minutiae to reintroduction efforts." — Eventing USA

The conservation of Przewalski's horse is one of the true success stories in the field. The research reported here should provide important lessons to conservation biologists as they work to preserve the world's biodiversity." — Edward F. Gibbons, Jr.

From the Publisher

Przewalski's horse has survived from the time of mammoths, and is the only living true horse besides those bred by humans. They are extinct in their natural habitat in China and Mongolia, but captive breeding has now produced enough of a population to begin reintroducing them to the wild. At this juncture, scientists, veterinarians, zoo managers, wildlife experts, and activists from around the world compile what is known about the critters for the benefit of their colleagues and interested general readers. Paper edition (1890-1, $19.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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