Social organization and dispersion of introduced kulans (Equus hemionus kulan) and Przewalski horses (Equus przewalski) in the Bukhara Reserve, Uzbekistan

Asiatic wild asses and Przewalski horses initially inhabited steppe, semi-d esert and desert areas, but Przewalski horses became extinct in the wild, a nd Mans disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century, except for a smal l population in Turkmenistan. The Bukhara Breeding Centre (Uzbekistan) was created in 1976 for reintroduction and conservation of wild ungulate specie s. In 1977-1978, Rye Mans (two males and three females), from Barsa-Kelmes island on the Aral sea, were introduced into the reserve. The group increas ed to 25-30 animals in 1989-1990, when eight Przewalski horses from Moscow and St Petersburg toes were introduced. We analysed the home ranges, prefer red habitats and social interactions of these closely related species durin g 1995-1998 by seasonal and group composition. Horses and asses formed a re productive group and a secondary non-reproductive group. The home range of the secondary group was larger than the reproductive group and seemed to be less dependent from the watering places. Przewalski horses were less adapt ed to semi-desert conditions (both water and vegetation needs) than kulan. (C) 2001 Academic Press.