Not including the Arctic and Antarctica regions, the Gobi Desert, with an area of over 1,300,000 square kilometers, is the world’s third largest desert. It is expanding at an alarming rate through a process called desertification. Overgrazing, depletion of ground water, and deforestation contribute to desertification.
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Equus ferus - As its scientific name suggests, the Przewalski's horse is the only true wild horse in the world; it has not been domesticated. The Przewalski's horse is endemic to Mongolia and had been on the brink of extinction. The last wild sighting occurred in the 1960’s. A breeding program was established using the last handful of remaining Przewalski's horses, less than 15, in an attempt to rescue the animal from extinction. The number of free ranging animals has steadily climbed in population and now numbers over 300 horses.
