Survival in the Desert

 

 

With the support of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), the number and behaviour of the Wild Horses have been scientifically documented since December 1993.

 

The population fluctuates according to the quantity and quality of available grazing, their numbers ranging between 50 and 280 horses in the 100 years of their existence.

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The adaptation of the Namib Wild Horses to their habitat is not genetically evident. Reports about extraordinary resilience may safely be relegated to the realm of myth.

 

Many of the animals captured during the drought of 1992 and taken to farms succumbed to African horse-sickness and other ailments and injuries due to confinement.

 

Adaptation can rather be seen in their behaviour: patterns of feeding and drinking, resting and playing according to the amount of grazing (and hence distances to travel) and prevailing temperatures.