Kiang are fairly abundant, and at a low risk of extinction.
|
|
Kiang
Equus kiang
|
Subspecies: There are three subspecies of kiang, E. k. kiang, E. k. holdereri,
and E. k. polyodon. These subspecies are known by their geographic range as the western kiang, eastern
kiang, and southern kiang, respectively.
|
Distribution: Kiang occur in central Asia, south into northern India. A total
of between 60,000 and 70,000 kiang are estimated to occur in China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and
India.
|
|
Ecology:
Kiang select grasses and sedges, and inhabit grasslands of various types. The species is most abundant
in high altitude meadows and steppes, but inhabit drier areas as well. Species of the grass Stipa
form the bulk of the diet. In the breeding season, which is July and August, males will defend
territories that are selected by females. Females foal almost a year later. In other times of the
year, kiangs form small herds or are solitary.
|
|
Conservation Status:
Habitat loss is a threat for kiang, as for other equids. In China, nomads are being allocated rangelands,
which may exclude use by kiang. Oil and gold exploration pose additional threats. Disease transmission
from horses owned by nomadic people to kiang needs to be better understood. Societal changes in
Asia may further threaten kiangs. For example, whereas humans used to migrate with difficulty, vehicles
now speed migration and make areas that were formerly inaccessible easily reached. Kiang must
compete with livestock for forage and access to water sources.
|
|
Recommendations:
The basic biology of kiang needs to be better understood. Amongst outstanding questions are: genetic
relationships between the three subspecies; comparisons of livestock and kiang habitat requirements;
disease relationships in kiang and livestock; and how management across country boundaries affects
kiang. Monitoring is needed in each of the countries in which the species occurs. Most pressing
is a better understanding of the interactions and conflicts between livestock and kiang, and methods
or policies that may mitigate conflicts.
|
|
Distribution and information were summarized from Shah (2002), Chapter 6 of the
Equid Action Plan.
|
|
