Description
This subspecies of wild donkey once roamed freely through the Central Asian steppes. However, habitat loss and illegal hunting took their toll: the size and range of kulans declined dramatically in the second half of the 20th century. According to the IUCN, this species has the status of EN (Endangered).
Kazakhstan is currently home to the largest number of this subspecies in the world. However, nearly 90% of the country’s population (approximately 3,500 of the 4,000) resides in Altyn Emel National Park. Since 2017, the reintroduction of kulans to Altyn Dala has been underway. The project aims to implement the method of reintroducing wild kulans and, from 2024, Przewalski’s horses to the Altyn Dala site. The on-site team at the reintroduction center conducts ongoing activities, including those released into the wild and those still at risk of acclimatization.
