European Zoos Aid Kazakhstan’s Przewalski’s Horse Reintroduction

On June 3, a new group of Przewalski’s horses arrived in Kazakhstan as part of the international “Return of the Wild Horses” project. This marks the second such transfer, with the animals delivered from Prague Zoo and Hungary’s Hortobágy National Park. Supervised Adaptation in Altyn Dala Four horses were flown in by two military transport aircraft, landing early in the morning at Arkalyk Airport. They were then transported for five hours to the Altyn Dala State Reserve, where they will remain for a year under expert supervision before their release into the wild. Located in the Kostanay region, the Altyn Dala reserve provides the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel to ensure successful acclimatization. According to Daniyar Turgambaev, chairman of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee, the second group has been safely delivered, while the first group is already ready for life in the open steppe. “For us, as the leading body for biodiversity conservation in Kazakhstan, it is a great honor to lead such an important stage in the restoration of our nature,” he said. Unexpected Incident in Prague One stallion, named Whisky, caused a stir in Prague prior to departure. He kicked open the door of a moving trailer and ended up loose on a highway near Černý Most, disrupting traffic on the Prague Ring Road and the city’s South Highway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. According to Miroslav Bobek, director of the Prague Zoo, Whisky was sedated and returned to the zoo. The remaining horses were successfully loaded and sent to Kazakhstan. Reviving a Wild Species Przewalski’s horse is the last surviving species of true wild horse, once extinct in the wild by the mid-20th century. Its survival has depended entirely on captive breeding programs. Kazakhstan began its reintroduction efforts in 2024 with support from several international partners: the Prague Zoo, Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), the Frankfurt Zoological Society, and the Nuremberg and Berlin Zoos, as well as the Hortobágy National Park. The initial group of seven horses arrived in June 2024. They endured harsh conditions in the Turgai steppe, including temperatures dropping to -30 °C. Two mares, Umbra and Vesper, were fitted with GPS collars to monitor their movements after release. Ecological Significance The Altyn Dala reserve, established in 2012, spans nearly 490,000 hectares. It also hosts a parallel program for the reintroduction of kulans (Asiatic wild asses). By 2029, authorities aim to reintroduce 40-45 Przewalski’s horses, enough to establish a self-sustaining population. As Bobek notes, the project will continue until “a viable and genetically diverse population is formed.” Przewalski’s horses play a crucial role in steppe ecosystems by controlling vegetation, reducing the risk of wildfires, and facilitating winter survival for other species through snow clearance and trail formation. The species is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and in Appendix II of the CITES Convention. A memorandum signed on February 28, 2023, provides for the transport of at least 40 wild horses to Kazakhstan over the next four to five years....

Despite USAID Funding Cuts, Kyrgyzstan Plans to Reintroduce Goitered Gazelle at Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan has launched an ambitious project to restore the population and natural habitat of the goitered gazelle on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, a region once home to these graceful creatures. Led by the Argali Public Fund, Ilbirs Fund, and the Gulistan farm, the reintroduction effort marks a significant step toward reversing the species' decline and restoring balance to the local ecosystem. Reviving a Lost Species The goitered gazelle, an elegant herbivore from the bovid family, was once abundant in the Issyk-Kul region. However, its population collapsed after the 1930s due to widespread poaching and the conversion of natural landscapes for agricultural and economic development. Today, the species is listed in Kyrgyzstan's Red Book of endangered species, making their conservation an urgent priority. Found across Central Asia — from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Iran and beyond — the gazelle is integral to maintaining the balance of steppe and desert ecosystems. On the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, conditions remain favorable for the return of the goitered gazelle. However, decades of human activity and habitat loss have driven them away, leaving reintroduction as the most viable path to restoration. The project employs a “soft release” approach, starting with a semi-free adaptation phase. Animals are first acclimatized and allowed to breed in a controlled environment before being released back into the wild. This method reduces the risks associated with sudden release and ensures a higher survival rate. The Project in Action Currently, the Gulistan farm houses a herd of 43 gazelles. By the end of the year, the number is expected to grow to 60, with the first batch of 25 animals scheduled for release in 2025. Organizers aim to release an additional 15-20 gazelles annually, slowly building a self-sustaining wild population. If conservation measures, particularly anti-poaching efforts, prove successful, the gazelle population in Issyk-Kul could reach 500 within the next decade. Gazelles play an essential role in their environments, feeding on thorny and toxic plants that other species avoid. This behavior helps control invasive vegetation and supports the overall health of the ecosystem. Their presence also benefits predators such as wolves and snow leopards, creating a natural chain of biodiversity. Broader Impact on Biodiversity and Ecotourism The reintroduction of the goitered gazelle represents more than just species preservation; it is a step toward restoring the ecological integrity of the Issyk-Kul landscape. A thriving population of gazelles can boost biodiversity by fostering healthier, more balanced ecosystems. Their grazing patterns promote plant regeneration, which in turn supports a variety of other species, from insects to birds of prey. Furthermore, the project has significant potential to bolster Kyrgyzstan's ecotourism sector. Issyk-Kul is already a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the presence of rare and protected wildlife like the goitered gazelle could attract even more visitors. Eco-friendly tourism initiatives could offer guided safaris to observe the gazelles in their natural habitat, providing educational opportunities while generating revenue for local communities. President Japarov has underscored the importance of halting illegal hunting, urging communities to see...