Horse - Equus caballus
Habitat:
Grasslands, steppes and semi arid shrub country
Range:
Original populations were once found in the Steppe zone from Poland to Mongolia. They now occur throughout the world due to domestication.
Activity Cycle:
Diurnal
Features:
Vary depending on breed, most colorations consist of gray, brown, black and white. Large, hoofed mammals. Variable in size and weight. They have long limbs, a barrel shaped body and long neck supporting a tiny head. They have very good vision and hearing.
Size:
Weight is between 660-4,000 pounds
Social Structure:
Small bands occur of up to 10 members
Life Expectancy:
20-30 years
Diet:
Hay and grasses
Reproduction:
Breeders breed seasonally but females come into estrus monthly until impregnated. Pregnancy lasts for approximately 11 months and usually results in one foal. After about 15-25 minutes the foal is able to follow its mother around and stays for about 7 months. They are sexually mature 2-3 years.
Status:
Domesticated
Interesting Facts:
- There are over 300 breeds of horses in the world today, developed for many different uses.
- Albanisim in horses appears to be linked to lethal traits and albino foals do not survive. If you see white horses, they will have colored eyes (not true albanism).
- Przewalski’s horse is considered extinct in the wild by some.
Socialize
