What kind of animal is a moukonouma? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This horse is a little smaller than other breeds, but it is an extant wild horse. It was once thought to have become extinct in the wild around 1968, but breeding has since started in zoos around the world, starting with the Moukono horses kept in zoos in Europe.
What is Moukonouma? About basic status
The horse is a mammal classified in the order Mammalia, order Perissodactyla, family Equina. The body length is 2.2 – 2.6 cm and the weight is 200 – 300 kg. The scientific name is Equus ferus przewalskii. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | モウコノウマ |
| English（英名） | Przewalski’s Wild Horse |
| scientific name(学名) | Equus ferus przewalskii |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Perissodactyla、 Equidae、Equus 哺乳綱、奇蹄目、ウマ科、ウマ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 2.2 – 2.6cm |
| Weight（体重） | 200 – 300kg |
About classification
The horse was discovered in Central Asia by Russian explorer Nikolai Przewalsky. A horse classified as a member of the genus Equine.
Systematic classification
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界（Animalia） |
| 門 | 脊索動物門（Chordata） |
| 綱 | 哺乳綱（Mammalia） |
| 目 | ウマ目（Perissodactyla） |
| 科 | ウマ科（Equidae） |
| 属 | ウマ属（Equus） |
| 種 | Equus ferus |
| 亜種 | Equus ferus przewalskii |
About habitat
The Mokonoma lives in the grasslands of Eurasia. There used to be many individuals in central Asia, especially around Mongolia (around the Altai Mountains).
- Natural Distribution
Origin: Grasslands of Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, and Northern China
Habitat:
Open grasslands (steppe)
Dry, semi-desert areas
Tree-scarce environments where grass is the primary food source
Characteristics:
Selective habitats with water and salt deposits
Ability to adapt to barren grasslands and sand dunes
- Habitat Change
Wild populations became extinct in the mid-20th century
Current wild populations were reintroduced after breeding in conservation facilities
Examples of reintroduction areas:
Northern Gobi Desert, Mongolia (Khustain Nuruu National Park, etc.)
Inner Mongolia, China (reintroduction project area)
- Habitat Conditions
Open grasslands: Suitable for foraging and easy escape from predators
Water and salt intake: Essential for mineral replenishment and hydration
Sized area for herd life: Wild horses travel widely to secure food
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The horse’s coat is light ink, with a light brown overall color and dark brown limbs, mane, and tail. In winter, the coat becomes lighter and longer. The mane is always erect and is found in the steppes of Eurasia. It used to live in Mongolia and Russia.
- Physical Characteristics
Physique
Height: Approximately 120-140 cm (shoulder height)
Weight: Approximately 250-350 kg
Sturdy body, adapted to rough grasslands
Coat Color
Light brown to sandy body
Short, erect, black mane
Long, black tail with only the tip being black
Head/Face
Rounded head, large, calm eyes
Slightly rounded nose, shaped to allow for easy breathing even in rough terrain
Feet/Hoofs
Short, sturdy legs
Hard hooves allow for easy walking on rocky or rough terrain
- Behavior/Personality
Living in groups
Harem-type, with one male mating with multiple females and offspring
Highly social, with a hierarchy within the group
Personality
Gentle and rarely fighting, but males keep each other at bay during breeding season
Highly cautious, fleeing from predators and humans
Activity
Movement by eating grass
May travel several kilometers in search of water
- Ecological Characteristics
Diet: Herbivorous (grasses, leaves, and shrub shoots)
Hydration: Obtains moisture from natural sources such as water and plants
Reproduction:
Gestation Period: Approximately 11 months
Gives birth to only one offspring
The offspring grows up alongside their mother
Adaptations: Adapted to life in arid grasslands and semi-desert environments
Lifespan: Approximately 20 years in the wild, approximately 25 years in captivity
What is your personality like?
Moukonouma is very quiet and has a timid personality. They are quite sensitive animals compared to domesticated horses, so raising them is not as easy as other horses. Moukono horses live in grassland areas and live in small family groups, making them very social animals.
Przewalski’s Horse Personality Characteristics
Calm and calm
Usually docile and non-aggressive
Their leisurely movements while grazing are striking
Highly wary
As wild horses, they are sensitive to humans and predators
They will quickly run away if they sense danger
Even within the herd, they are always cautious and observant
Highly social
Living in herds (harem-type)
Single males lead multiple females
Females and parents have strong bonds and are cooperative
Curious but reserved
They take their time to explore new environments and objects
They do not act suddenly, moving carefully
Breeding Season Behavior
During the breeding season, males will engage in mild defensive and threatening behavior with each other
Aggression is limited, and they often behave in a way to avoid injury
What is the ecology like?
Mokonouma lives by eating grass, tree leaves, bark, and fruits. They spend most of their day foraging and eat very well. Breeding occurs around April and the gestation period is 11 to 12 months. Females can give birth to one baby at a time. The lifespan is about 20 years, and the longest is about 25 years.
- Lifestyle
Living in groups
Harem-type groups: one male, multiple females, and offspring
Spreading in groups protects them from predators
Activity Period
Diurnal (active during the day)
Foraging, moving, and resting alternate throughout the day
Migration
Travels several kilometers in search of food and water in grasslands
Adapted to large grasslands, allowing for long-distance migration
- Diet
Herbivore
Mainly grasses, leaves, and shrub buds
Able to digest even low-nutrient grasses
Hydration
Replenishes moisture from rivers, springs, and plant moisture
Feeding Style
Grains grass simultaneously in groups
Keeps watchful eye on surroundings and guards against predators while feeding
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season
The breeding season varies depending on the region, but is most common in spring and summer.
Gestation Period
Approximately 11 months
Birthing
Give birth only once
The foal grows under the protection of its mother and herd.
Growing
Foals accompany their mother and become independent after 1-2 years.
As they grow, they learn the social rules of the herd and how to forage and move.
- Habitat Adaptation
Adapted to grasslands and semi-deserts.
Strong hooves and legs allow them to move across barren and dry terrain.
Moving widely in herds to secure food.
Are there any natural enemies?
The natural enemy of the horse is said to be the wolf.
About Przewalski’s horse foals
This article provides detailed information about the characteristics and growth process of Przewalski’s horse foals.
- Birth
Gestation Period: Approximately 11 months
Birth: Usually one calf
Birthing Location: A safe spot in the grassland or near the herd
Newborn Characteristics:
Height: Approximately 60-80 cm
Weight: Approximately 20-30 kg
Fur color is light brown, becoming lighter than that of adults for the first few months of life
- Relationship with Mother
They accompany their mother immediately after birth
They cling to their mother’s back or belly and learn to walk and forage
They stay safe under the protection of the herd
- Growth and Behavior
1-3 Months Old:
Claws and legs begin to develop, and they learn to walk independently on branches and the ground
They begin to nibble on grass and gradually begin weaning
6 Months Old:
Forages and moves with the herd
Slowly develops a sense of independence
1-2 Years Old:
Becomes independent and establishes its own living space
Completely masters the herd rules and how to forage and move
- Characteristics
Coat Color: Light brown, paler than adults.
Personality: Curious and learns by observing the behavior of their mother and herd.
Defense: Protects their mother and herd from predators.
Is the Moukonouma an endangered species?
The horse was first discovered in 1879, but it is thought to have become extinct in the wild around 1968. However, in Europe, some Mokono horses were kept in captivity, and these were bred again, and they managed to escape extinction. Currently, it is said that there are over 300 Mokonoma horses that can be seen in the wild, but they are classified as an endangered species.
- Global Conservation Status
IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Classification: EN (Endangered)
Reason:
Extinct in the wild by the mid-20th century
Habitat loss and overhunting are the primary causes
- Reintroduction and Protection
Breeding in Conservation Facilities
Breeding programs implemented in zoos and conservation facilities
Reintroduction
Northern Gobi Desert, Mongolia (Khustain Nuruu National Park, etc.)
Protected areas in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Currently, the wild population has recovered to approximately 300-500 individuals
- Current Issues
The number of reintroduced individuals is increasing, but habitat limitations and risks from predators and human activity remain.
Environmental changes due to grassland development and climate change are future challenges.
- Conservation Status in Japan
No natural distribution in Japan
Captive individuals are protected and bred in zoos and research facilities
Import and breeding require permission under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and domestic law.
Can you keep Moukonouma as a pet?
As for whether it is possible to keep Moukono horses as pets, they are much more difficult to keep than other horses due to their temperament, so we recommend viewing them at zoos or events.
- Legal Restrictions
Przewalski’s horse is an endangered species (IUCN EN) and is internationally protected.
Import and export are prohibited under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Even in Japan, private ownership is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Keeping is permitted only in facilities with special permission, such as zoos and research facilities.
- Ecological and Behavioral Reasons
A large horse adapted to the wild.
Height: 120-140 cm, weight: 250-350 kg.
Adapted to a lifestyle of traveling extensively across grasslands and foraging.
Highly social.
Due to their herd-living habits, keeping them alone can be stressful.
Highly wary and wild.
They are not well adapted to human contact.
- Difficult to raise
Special dietary management required
Herbivorous and require a wide range of forage
Nutrition management and exercise are impossible at home
Large space required
In the wild, they travel several kilometers per day
Crowded enclosures have a negative impact on their health
High risk of stress and disease
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