Ulaanbaatar
Studies being carried out on implementing next phase of takhi project
Politics
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. On May 31, MP Ts.Sergelen held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Mongolia Jan Vytopil and Director of Prague Zoo Miroslav Bobek.
The Prague Zoo made a significant contribution to the protection of wild horses - Przewalski's horse or takhi since 1930, successfully organizing works to re-introduce the Mongolian takhi into its native habitat from 2010. Aside from bringing the takhi horses, measures included making a certain amount of investment in their habitat.
At the start of the meeting, Director of Prague Zoo Miroslav Bobek thanked the parliament member for making time to hold the meeting. “We carried out works to re-introduce the takhi horse in Mongolia from 2010. As of today, there is a sufficient population of the species in the Khustai Mountains and the Great Gobi strictly protected areas. Thus, we believe it is no longer necessary to transport more takhi horses for re-introduction.
Studies have been carried out on implementing the next phase of the project since 2019. Based on the results, we believe that two areas near Mogoi River in Dornod aimag and the Numrug Strictly Protected Area are the most suitable,” he said and expressed his confidence that support will be provided in organizing the works.
In turn, MP Ts.Sergelen expressed gratitude for successfully implementing measures to re-introduce the takhi in Mongolia. Noting that the country’s border control organization implements a special regime in the aforementioned areas as they are located near the border, he underlined that it would be necessary to cooperate with the General Authority for Border Protection, local authorities, and executives of the strictly protected areas.
The Prague Zoo had a total of 34 takhi horses from the Czech Republic and other European countries transported by CASA aircraft on nine flights. Plans to conduct the 10th transportation of takhi horses in 2020 were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
As of today, the population of takhi horses amounts to 370 at Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area, 420 at Hustai National Park, and 130 at Khomiin Tal National Park, reported the Media and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural.
