Kulans return to Central Kazakhstan

Kulans (Equus hemionus kulan), are the turkmenian subspecies of Asiatic Wild Asses. Historically, they roamed across vast areas of the Eurasian plains and were an integral part of local folklore and cultural history. Tragically, human pressure eradicated the elegant mammal from the Kazakh steppes by 1930. As a keystone species of the steppe, wild asses stabilize the steppe ecosystem.

Since 2017, we support the return of kulans to the „Golden Steppe“, the landscape of their ancestors.<br />

Kulans play an important role in balancing the fragile network of steppe biodiversity. As its native megaherbivores, they break up the soil, uncover hidden water and fodder ressources and create microhabitats for smaller species, like endemic ground-nesting birds. The distinctive grazing pattern of kulans secures a significant reduction of dry biomass, which is the most effective prevention of wildfires. Across their large range, kulan dung enhances soil fertilization, boosts insect numbers and disperses the seeds of stationary plant species. This increases vegetational diversity and helps the ecosystem resist desertification. Lastly, they feed into the food web as prey for large predators such as wolves, and their carcasses serve as a food source for scavengers.

Kulans are the Turkmenian subspecies of Asiatic wild asses: Equus hemionus kulan. With about 5.000 kulans left in the wild, the species is listed as „endangered“.

Altyn Emel National Park in Southwestern Kazakhstan holds the largest Kulan population globally. Due to geographical restraints, the animals cannot migrate between the Park and the central steppe. A genetic survey confirmed its suitability as source of animals for reintroduction to the Torgai steppe.

The kulan mare, her yearling from 2021 and her foal from 2022 running together in the acclimatization enclosure in Alibi.

Unlike horses, kulans have rather dynamic social structures. Usually, few mares and their offspring form small groups, which are occasionally joined by solitary males. Depending on available forage however, several of these groups can also join up and form herds of over a hundred kulans at once.

Asiatic wild asses are extremely shy, and hard to catch. The technique that has proven successful, is the night capture when their escape distance is limited: while cars push the herd forward, a strong light guides the animals into a big corral.

The distance between kulan source and reintroduction site in Altyn Dala is immense. In the past, kulans were airlifted by helicopters. Now we conduct overland transports across more than 2.000 km.

Through a sophisticated loading system, the kulans enter the transportation containers by themselves. Veterinarians can then apply supplements and tranquilizers through a hatch in the roof.

Our team combines the skills of several different Kazakh and international organizations and experts. Together, we create a synergy of technical capacities for the return of kulans to Altyn Dala.

Our destination is the reintroduction center for Wild Ungulates “Alibi”, right in the heart of a huge network of wilderness areas with increased protection levels in Central Kazkahstan. Caretakers are on site 24/7 to support and monitor the animals appropriately.

The kulans spend the first winter in a 50-ha acclimatization enclosure. Caretakers provide water and supplementary food to support their adaptation.

An intensive monitoring schedule secures seamless documentation of the kulans’ acclimatization process and welfare. „Alibi“ is permanently manned by at least two kazakh rangers at a time.

A thick wintercoat and the sturdy nature of kulans enables them to brave the cold winters of Central Kazakhstan with temperatures dropping to -40°C at times.

As of summer 2025, we have confirmed at least three kulan foals that were born in the wilderness of Altyn Dala. After a century of local extinction, each new foal is a testament to the kulans’ strength and resiliency and that our conservation efforts are paying off.

Our goal is a self-sustaining kulan population in the Torgai steppe.

As its basis, we aim to relocate at least 100 founder animals. So far, we have organized 4 transports of kulans to our reintroduction center „Alibi“ and released the first animals into the wild. Three births in the wild have been documented since 2024, which proves that the animals are adapting well. More releases and transports are planned for 2025.

Help us write history with hoof prints on steppe soil!