Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Conservation Ecology Center are working to save Przewalski’s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii), the last surviving wild horse species.

The team of experts partnered with China’s Xinjiang Forestry Department and The Wilds to develop new, cutting-edge GPS tracking devices that are small, solar-powered transmitters that can be braided into the tail hair of a horse.

Smithsonian scientists also worked with partners reintroducing the horses back into the wild, to build capacity of project staff and students, and to increase local community involvement through workshops, discussion groups, and the establishment of a scouting program. The latter provides critical economic opportunity for local people through participation in monitoring the horses during winter.