Differences between Tarpans and Domestic Horses

Quck answer

Tarpans were wild horses that lived in Europe and Asia until they became extinct in the 19th century. They were smaller and stockier than modern domestic horses, with a more primitive appearance and a wild temperament. They had a distinctive dun-colored coat, with a dark stripe running down their backs and zebra-like stripes on their legs. Tarpans were adapted to living in harsh environments and were able to survive on limited food and water. They were also highly social animals, living in herds and communicating with each other using a variety of sounds and body language. In contrast, domestic horses have been selectively bred for specific traits, such as size, speed, and temperament, and have a more varied range of coat colors and patterns.

Extinct Animals

Tarpans were a wild horse species that lived in Eastern Europe until the last pure mare died in 1879. They were different from domestic horses in many ways, including their smaller size of approximately 4 feet at the shoulder, pointed muzzles, small eyes, and semi-erect short manes. Their coats were mouse-gray or dun with a black stripe down the back. They survived from prehistoric times until the 1800s and roamed freely across North America, Europe, and Asia, but hunting and breeding with domestic horses caused their numbers to decline rapidly. Today, the closest domestic breed to the tarpan is the Heck horse, but they are both considered feral descendants of domestic horses. The only known species of wild horse left in the world is the Przewalski’s horse, which is similar to the tarpan and lives in Mongolia and China.

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Sources

• Ackerman, Diane. “Galloping Ghosts.” Smithsonian Magazine. November 2007. (Jan. 25, 2015) http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/galloping-ghosts-174374588/?no-ist
• Bennett, Deb and Robert S. Hoffman. “Mammalian Species: Equus caballas.” American Society of Mammalogists. No. 628, pp. 1-14. Dec. 3, 1999. (Jan. 25, 2015) http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/pdf/i0076-3519-628-01-0001.pdf
• Maas, Peter. “Equus Ferus Ferus.” The Extinction Website. May 17, 2009. (Jan. 25, 2015). http://www.petermaas.nl/extinct/speciesinfo/tarpan.htm
• Horse Show Central. Oeleke, Hardy. “Tarpan – Horse breed and info.” Horse Show Central. 2003. (Jan. 25, 2015) http://www.horseshowcentral.com/breeds/tarpan

FAQ

1. What is a tarpan?

A tarpan is an extinct wild horse species that lived in Europe and Asia. They are believed to have lived alongside humans during the last Ice Age.

2. How did tarpan look like?

Tarpans were small horses, standing only about 4.5 feet tall at the shoulder. They had a dun-colored coat, a short mane, and a tail with a black tuft at the end. Tarpans were also known for their distinctive dorsal stripe and zebra-like stripes on their legs.

3. How did tarpans differ from domestic horses?

Tarpans were smaller and had a stockier build than modern domestic horses. They also had a more primitive appearance, with a short, upright mane and a thick, bushy tail. Tarpans were more resistant to diseases and had better survival instincts than domestic horses.

4. Where did tarpans live?

Tarpans were found in parts of Eastern Europe and Asia. They lived in grasslands, forests, and meadows, and were able to adapt to different types of terrain.

5. What did tarpans eat?

Tarpans were herbivores and fed on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. They were able to survive in harsh environments with limited food sources.

6. When did tarpans go extinct?

Tarpans became extinct in the late 19th century due to hunting, habitat loss, and interbreeding with domestic horses. The last known wild tarpan was seen in Poland in 1879.

7. Why were tarpans hunted?

Tarpans were hunted for their meat, hides, and bones. They were also considered a nuisance by farmers, who viewed them as competitors for grazing lands.

8. Did tarpans have any predators?

Tarpans were preyed upon by wolves, bears, and large cats. They had to rely on their speed and agility to avoid being caught.

9. How did humans interact with tarpans?

Humans hunted tarpans for food and also domesticated them for transportation and agricultural purposes. Tarpans were used as pack animals and were also ridden by humans.

10. Can tarpans be brought back to life?

No, tarpans cannot be brought back to life as they are extinct. However, there are efforts to breed horses that closely resemble tarpans and preserve their genetic heritage.

11. Are there any surviving wild horse species?

Yes, there are several wild horse species that still exist today, including the Przewalski’s horse, the Mongolian wild horse, and the American mustang.

12. How are wild horses different from domestic horses?

Wild horses are generally smaller and more resilient than domestic horses. They have a leaner build, a longer mane, and a shorter tail. Wild horses also have a more independent and wild nature, and are more difficult to train and domesticate.