Silk Road China Tours

• By admin
• In SilkRoadNews
• 2025-03-04

Endangered Przewalski's Horses Spotted at Dunhuang Yumen Pass - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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In early February, a group of special "visitors"—the Przewalski's horses—appeared at the Dunhuang Yumen Pass scenic area in Gansu Province, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Their presence not only added a touch of vitality to the scenic area during the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake but also served as a powerful testament to the ongoing improvement of the local ecosystem.q4cSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

The Przewalski's horse, also known as the Mongolian wild horse or Asian wild horse, is native to the semi-desert and plains with grass in Central Asia. It measures approximately 2.1 meters in length, 1.2 meters in shoulder height, and 0.91 meters in tail length, with a weight ranging from 200 to 300 kilograms. Compared to most domestic horses, the Przewalski's horse is relatively short and sturdy, with shorter legs, a thick and short neck, upright and stiff mane, a back that is grayish-yellow or reddish-brown in color, a yellowish-white belly, and darker tail and legs. Some individuals also have stripes on their legs.q4cSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

These horses typically live in large herds, led by a single male with multiple females. Their diet mainly consists of grass, shrubs, and fruits, and occasionally they will also consume tree bark, leaves, and buds. The survival of the Przewalski's horse is in a precarious state. There are very few of them globally, with fewer than 200 in China and no more than 1,000 worldwide. In 2014, they were classified as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and in 2021, they were listed as a first-class nationally protected wild animal in China.q4cSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

As an important historical relic on the ancient Silk Road, the Yumen Pass scenic area in Dunhuang has not only seen its historical relics well-preserved in recent years but has also witnessed significant changes in its natural environment. The scenic area has further improved its service facilities and enhanced service quality, allowing more visitors to appreciate the historical and cultural charm of Yumen Pass as well as its natural beauty.q4cSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours

According to the Yumen Pass Scenic Area Service Center in Dunhuang, during this year's Spring Festival, the Przewalski's horses were seen strolling and foraging leisurely within the scenic area. This sight provided a unique experience for many visitors and highlighted the significant achievements in ecological protection. Moving forward, the scenic area will continue to increase its efforts in ecological protection and strengthen the conservation of rare wild animals such as the Przewalski's horse and the yellow sheep, providing them with a safer and more suitable environment for survival.q4cSilk Road Adventure & Private Tours - Silk Road China Tours