Pentezug Wild Horse Reserve

The Pentezug wild horse reserve, where Przewalski’s horses and reconstructed aurochs are living in semi-wild conditions, is situated in the core of the Hortobágy National Park. It belongs to the so-called A-zone of the park, which means that it is under the highest level of protection. The area is not open to the public and any agricultural activity that might cause damage to the sensitive fauna and flora is prohibited. The reserve is 2470 hectares and will be enlarged up to 3000 ha in 2015.

The area is fenced with electric fence that allows native wild animals, such as wild boars, hares, foxes and roe deer to leave and enter freely, but keeps the wild horses and Aurochs within the area. Pentezug was designated a reserve in 1997 and the following aims were set for the project:

• Preservation of the sensitive steppe fauna and flora by year-round grazing with horses and cattle
• Support of the Endangered species protection programme for the Przewalski’s horse by increasing the breeding population
• Active breeding of the reconstructed aurochs with the intention of improving the phenotype of the breed and the physiological suitability of the animals for survival under semi-wild conditions
• Investigation connected to the breeding programmes,  such as biodiversity research within the reserve and the effects of the grazing on other species

The reserve's  existence was made possible by a joint project of the Hortobágy National Park and the Cologne Zoo.