Feral Horses

Contect: The National Green Tribunal has issued a notice to the Centre and other stakeholders regarding feral horses in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam.

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is the only location in India that hosts a population of feral horses.
• These horses have thrived in the wild for nearly 80 years and are believed to be descendants of either World War II war horses or the endangered Przewalski’s horse (IUCN status: EN) from China.
• Feral horses are not classified as wild animals under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, leaving them without legal recognition.
• They typically inhabit grassy river plains, forests, and woodlands, preferring open spaces where predators are visible and staying within 5–6 km of water sources.
• Unlike true wild horses, feral horses do not belong to this category. The only true wild horse species is the Takhi.
• Australia has the largest population of feral horses globally.