Author: Matt Davis

Bovidae Family

The Bovidae family of mammals is classified in order Artiodactyla, and consists of antelope, cattle, goats, and sheep. There are about 143 different species classified in the Bovidae family.  Some Bovids have been domesticated for meat, leather, and for use as beasts of burden.

A small herd of domestic cows.

Physical Characteristics

The males of all species of Bovids have horns, However the females of certain species lack these cranial extensions.  A horn is a permanent pointed protrusion on the head of many Bovids.  Horns consist of a covering of keratin and other proteins surrounding a core of  bone.

Many … Continue

Przewalski’s Horse

Przewalski’s Horse(Equus ferus przewalskii or Equus caballus przewalskii) also called the Takhi, Mongolian Wild Horse or Dzungarian Horse, is the last wild horse subspecies surviving in the world today. Przewalski’s Horse is classified in the mammalian order Perissodactyla, and the Equidae family.

Physical Characteristics

Length2.1-2.8 meters(6’11”-9’2”)
Shoulder Height1.2-1.5 meters(3’11”-5’3”)
Tail Length80 centimeters-1.1 meters(2’8”-3’7”)
Weight200-360 kilograms(441-794 pounds)

Distribution and Habitat

Przewalski’s Horses inhabit desert, semi-desert, and steppes of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China. Przewalski’s Horses can be found in Hustai National Park in Mongolia, and Kalameili Reserve in northern China.

Breeding

Just like all horses, the female … Continue