European Rewilding Network
Pentezug Project
Long term grazing in Hungary's first National Park and World Heritage Site
In autumn more than 100 thousand common cranes (Grus grus) stay temporarily in Hortobagy region on their way from Nother Europe to Africa. During their stay their daily migration is breathtaking.
Peter Csoban
The snow is realtively rare in Hortobagy region lately. When it is snowing horses can easily find food under the snow and their thick coat protects them from cold.
Peter Csoban
Though Pentezug reserve is closed from public and nature is free from human disturbance apart from necessary intervention, there is a small animal park close by where a group of horses and bulls can be visited by a safari car. Expert personnel explains to the guests the important role of large grazers in the ecosystem.
David Király
Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) can often been seen close to large grazers as they are feeding on insects but in the summer heat large grazers can be used as personal umbrellas.
Peter Csoban
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a very typical flower of the salty steppe in early spring. It can cover tens square kilometers if there is a little rain.
Peter Csoban
Cattle and horses are grazing together in Pentezug Reserve. In May marsh areas are full of water providing an excellent drinking and feeding place for large grazers
Istvan Sandor
Pentezug Reserve, which was established in 1997 by Hortobágy National Park Directorate (HNPI) and Cologne Zoo, aims to preserve open grasslands using semi-wild grazers with minimal human interference. To reach this goal, bovines and Przewalski’s horses were introduced to create a relatively diverse grazing community. The area is a typical grassland and has a semiarid-continental four-season climate. Within the reserve the large grazers are kept in semi-wild conditions, there is no interference with their movement within the reserve or their social bonds, surplus food or water is usually not offered. Notably, the fence inhibits the migration of large herbivores, but does not isolate the area in other aspects, wild animals (e.g. rabbits, foxes, and roe deer) can easily cross the fences. Since the establishment of the reserve, both the Przewalski’s horse population and the cattle population successfully adapted to the new environment and grew rapidly. Because of the lack of apex predator the population number needs to be managed. Cattle are considered domestic animals, though the aim is to breed animals that resembles to the ancient aurochs both appearance and behaviour (strong vitality, easy calving, etc.).
To understand the effect of large grazers on the grassland a wide monitoring work was started recently. The vegetation, weather, parasites of animals, condition of animals, water quality, orthopteran assemblages and small mammals are monitored regularly.
Since the Pentezug Reserve is closed from the public, a small Wild Animal Park at Malomhaza not far from the reserve was founded. This was done to show Przewalski’s horses and bovines to larger audience/tourists. Tourists can see these animals in a 130 ha fenced area with guided tours on a safari car.
Project:
Pentezug Project
Region:
Hortobágy, Hungary
Type of project:
Creating space for wilder nature, Supporting wildlife comeback
Aim and vision:
The main aim of the Pentezug project was to find out how grassland ecosystem is working in Hortobagy region if we minimize human role. This region has always been rarely habituated and because of the extremely salty soil it was never suitable for agricultural activities. For centuries pastoral life was the only action here. We thought that bringing back different ancient species (or breeds that similar to ancient species) might have a positive effect on biodiversity. According to bone findings aurochs and wild horses belonged the ancient megafauna. That is why we deiced to introduce Przewalski’s horses and reconstructed aurochs. The reserve was fenced to avoid contact with neighbouring farms both because of animal health reasons and to avoid domestic horse and wild horse hybridization. Unfortunately apex predator was missing from our reserve and it was not possible to introduce them to the area because of the surrounding villages and farms.
Our aim, and task as a nature conservation manager, is to keep most of the values of nature and landscape for the upcoming generations.
Uniqueness of the project:
Unique grassland and wetland ecosystem: The area was used for extensive grazing for centuries, the grassland ecosystem did not change much. 25 years ago Pentezug Reserve was established. Since then no chemicals have been used neither on vegetation nor on grazing animals. Any human activity in the reserve should supports natural processes (such as population control of large grazers to avoid overgrazing). Unique Przewalski’s horse monitoring system: Our monitoring system based on 3 pillars: a DNA database where we take biopsy samples of each horse at the age of 1-2, while they are still in the natal group. In this way we have a DNA “fingerprint” database of each living individuals and the confirmation of parentage. A photo catalogue: we take pictures of each horses (winter-summer, left-right side, portrait) and regularly refresh it. And group composition list: we record any changes in members of the harems groups from the beginning of the project. We managed to follow bachelor members and groups between 1997 and 2008. Due this monitoring system we have a unique knowledge of the demography, parentage and social structure of Przewalski’s horses.
Other activities:
Research
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on:
Our main goal is to prove scientifically that grassland management with semi wild species is good for biodiversity, it serves the purpose of nature protection on ecosystem level. A few years ago we started a comprehensive study in the reserve to reach this goal. We think if we can continuously collect samples for a decade we can have scientifically appropriate results. Beside demography and land use of large grazers we monitor vegetation, parasites of grazers, water quality, weather (precipitation and temperature), orthoptera, birds, small mammals. We planned all these monitoring work with the help of experts but our little crew do all the field work. In this way we are safe to continue the work even if experts run out of time or money. After 2 years of monitoring we already see that the effect of global warming can already be detected.
Our other big aim is to develop a Przewalski’s horse automatic recognition software with the help of different field of experts (roboticists, computer scientists, biologists, etc). We continuously searching for research partners and possible funding. This would greatly help our work (would be less time consuming), our fine scale management and very probably it would help reintroduction sites in Mongolia or even feral horses on different continents.
Our other big aim is to develop a Przewalski’s horse automatic recognition software with the help of different field of experts (roboticists, computer scientists, biologists, etc). We continuously searching for research partners and possible funding. This would greatly help our work (would be less time consuming), our fine scale management and very probably it would help reintroduction sites in Mongolia or even feral horses on different continents.
Results so far:
The successful management of Przewalski’s horses for 25 years. We have the biggest semi-wild population on the world (300 hundred individuals) and our fine scale monitoring system (DNA data base, group composition list) is unique.
The successful introduction of mixed grazing species (cattle and horses) on steppe ecosystem. In this way an effective maintenance of mosaic salt steppe vegetation.
Return of endangered wild bird species such as stonecurlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), imperial eagle (Aquila helica), european white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), etc.
The successful introduction of mixed grazing species (cattle and horses) on steppe ecosystem. In this way an effective maintenance of mosaic salt steppe vegetation.
Return of endangered wild bird species such as stonecurlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), imperial eagle (Aquila helica), european white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), etc.
Inspirational value:
Pentezug reserve is home of two large grazer species: bovines and Przewalski’s horses. These large grazers have fundamental role in maintaining the steppe ecosystem. The reserve is closed from visitors and apart from management intervention human disturbance is minimal. It is important to create and maintain such places where natural processes can evolve and the whole ecosystem is protected. On the other hand we established a small animal park, where visitors can enter and watch a smaller group of horses and cattle close by. In this way we can protect nature and still communicate with people. Due to the intensive monitoring work from the beginning of the project we have a detailed and large dataset about demography, social structure and pedigree of Przewalski’s horses, which is useful for enlarging our knowledge about this endangered species.
Experience you would like to share:
Management of large grazers: possibilities in managing domestic and wild large grazers. Usage of pzp: effectiveness of this immunocontraception treatment, practical advice to those who need it. Sample collection: how to measure biodiversity with low budget.
Experience you would like to gain:
We would like to learn from other grazing projects regarding: the legal framework in other countries and EU and how we may apply something to Hungary; management of large grazers in other countries; how to reach policy makers and involve citizens; and the scientific studies of other projects.
Country
Hungary
Start year
1997
Size (ha)
3000
Area type
Grasslands, Wetlands
Natural process
Natural grazing
Flagship species
Feral boar, Feral cattle, Feral horses, Roe deer
In autumn more than 100 thousand common cranes (Grus grus) stay temporarily in Hortobagy region on their way from Nother Europe to Africa. During their stay their daily migration is breathtaking.
Peter Csoban
The snow is realtively rare in Hortobagy region lately. When it is snowing horses can easily find food under the snow and their thick coat protects them from cold.
Peter Csoban
Though Pentezug reserve is closed from public and nature is free from human disturbance apart from necessary intervention, there is a small animal park close by where a group of horses and bulls can be visited by a safari car. Expert personnel explains to the guests the important role of large grazers in the ecosystem.
David Király
Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) can often been seen close to large grazers as they are feeding on insects but in the summer heat large grazers can be used as personal umbrellas.
Peter Csoban
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a very typical flower of the salty steppe in early spring. It can cover tens square kilometers if there is a little rain.
Peter Csoban
Cattle and horses are grazing together in Pentezug Reserve. In May marsh areas are full of water providing an excellent drinking and feeding place for large grazers
Istvan Sandor
Pentezug Reserve, which was established in 1997 by Hortobágy National Park Directorate (HNPI) and Cologne Zoo, aims to preserve open grasslands using semi-wild grazers with minimal human interference. To reach this goal, bovines and Przewalski’s horses were introduced to create a relatively diverse grazing community. The area is a typical grassland and has a semiarid-continental four-season climate. Within the reserve the large grazers are kept in semi-wild conditions, there is no interference with their movement within the reserve or their social bonds, surplus food or water is usually not offered. Notably, the fence inhibits the migration of large herbivores, but does not isolate the area in other aspects, wild animals (e.g. rabbits, foxes, and roe deer) can easily cross the fences. Since the establishment of the reserve, both the Przewalski’s horse population and the cattle population successfully adapted to the new environment and grew rapidly. Because of the lack of apex predator the population number needs to be managed. Cattle are considered domestic animals, though the aim is to breed animals that resembles to the ancient aurochs both appearance and behaviour (strong vitality, easy calving, etc.).
To understand the effect of large grazers on the grassland a wide monitoring work was started recently. The vegetation, weather, parasites of animals, condition of animals, water quality, orthopteran assemblages and small mammals are monitored regularly.
Since the Pentezug Reserve is closed from the public, a small Wild Animal Park at Malomhaza not far from the reserve was founded. This was done to show Przewalski’s horses and bovines to larger audience/tourists. Tourists can see these animals in a 130 ha fenced area with guided tours on a safari car.
Country
Hungary
Start year
1997
Size (ha)
3000
Area type
Grasslands, Wetlands
Natural process
Natural grazing
Flagship species
Feral boar, Feral cattle, Feral horses, Roe deer
Specification
Project:
Pentezug Project
Region:
Hortobágy, Hungary
Description
Type of project:
Creating space for wilder nature, Supporting wildlife comeback
Aim and vision:
The main aim of the Pentezug project was to find out how grassland ecosystem is working in Hortobagy region if we minimize human role. This region has always been rarely habituated and because of the extremely salty soil it was never suitable for agricultural activities. For centuries pastoral life was the only action here. We thought that bringing back different ancient species (or breeds that similar to ancient species) might have a positive effect on biodiversity. According to bone findings aurochs and wild horses belonged the ancient megafauna. That is why we deiced to introduce Przewalski’s horses and reconstructed aurochs. The reserve was fenced to avoid contact with neighbouring farms both because of animal health reasons and to avoid domestic horse and wild horse hybridization. Unfortunately apex predator was missing from our reserve and it was not possible to introduce them to the area because of the surrounding villages and farms.
Our aim, and task as a nature conservation manager, is to keep most of the values of nature and landscape for the upcoming generations.
Uniqueness of the project:
Unique grassland and wetland ecosystem: The area was used for extensive grazing for centuries, the grassland ecosystem did not change much. 25 years ago Pentezug Reserve was established. Since then no chemicals have been used neither on vegetation nor on grazing animals. Any human activity in the reserve should supports natural processes (such as population control of large grazers to avoid overgrazing). Unique Przewalski’s horse monitoring system: Our monitoring system based on 3 pillars: a DNA database where we take biopsy samples of each horse at the age of 1-2, while they are still in the natal group. In this way we have a DNA “fingerprint” database of each living individuals and the confirmation of parentage. A photo catalogue: we take pictures of each horses (winter-summer, left-right side, portrait) and regularly refresh it. And group composition list: we record any changes in members of the harems groups from the beginning of the project. We managed to follow bachelor members and groups between 1997 and 2008. Due this monitoring system we have a unique knowledge of the demography, parentage and social structure of Przewalski’s horses.
Other activities:
Research
Achievements
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on:
Our main goal is to prove scientifically that grassland management with semi wild species is good for biodiversity, it serves the purpose of nature protection on ecosystem level. A few years ago we started a comprehensive study in the reserve to reach this goal. We think if we can continuously collect samples for a decade we can have scientifically appropriate results. Beside demography and land use of large grazers we monitor vegetation, parasites of grazers, water quality, weather (precipitation and temperature), orthoptera, birds, small mammals. We planned all these monitoring work with the help of experts but our little crew do all the field work. In this way we are safe to continue the work even if experts run out of time or money. After 2 years of monitoring we already see that the effect of global warming can already be detected.
Our other big aim is to develop a Przewalski’s horse automatic recognition software with the help of different field of experts (roboticists, computer scientists, biologists, etc). We continuously searching for research partners and possible funding. This would greatly help our work (would be less time consuming), our fine scale management and very probably it would help reintroduction sites in Mongolia or even feral horses on different continents.
Our other big aim is to develop a Przewalski’s horse automatic recognition software with the help of different field of experts (roboticists, computer scientists, biologists, etc). We continuously searching for research partners and possible funding. This would greatly help our work (would be less time consuming), our fine scale management and very probably it would help reintroduction sites in Mongolia or even feral horses on different continents.
Results so far:
The successful management of Przewalski’s horses for 25 years. We have the biggest semi-wild population on the world (300 hundred individuals) and our fine scale monitoring system (DNA data base, group composition list) is unique.
The successful introduction of mixed grazing species (cattle and horses) on steppe ecosystem. In this way an effective maintenance of mosaic salt steppe vegetation.
Return of endangered wild bird species such as stonecurlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), imperial eagle (Aquila helica), european white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), etc.
The successful introduction of mixed grazing species (cattle and horses) on steppe ecosystem. In this way an effective maintenance of mosaic salt steppe vegetation.
Return of endangered wild bird species such as stonecurlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), imperial eagle (Aquila helica), european white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), etc.
Exchange
Inspirational value:
Pentezug reserve is home of two large grazer species: bovines and Przewalski’s horses. These large grazers have fundamental role in maintaining the steppe ecosystem. The reserve is closed from visitors and apart from management intervention human disturbance is minimal. It is important to create and maintain such places where natural processes can evolve and the whole ecosystem is protected. On the other hand we established a small animal park, where visitors can enter and watch a smaller group of horses and cattle close by. In this way we can protect nature and still communicate with people. Due to the intensive monitoring work from the beginning of the project we have a detailed and large dataset about demography, social structure and pedigree of Przewalski’s horses, which is useful for enlarging our knowledge about this endangered species.
Experience you would like to share:
Management of large grazers: possibilities in managing domestic and wild large grazers. Usage of pzp: effectiveness of this immunocontraception treatment, practical advice to those who need it. Sample collection: how to measure biodiversity with low budget.
Experience you would like to gain:
We would like to learn from other grazing projects regarding: the legal framework in other countries and EU and how we may apply something to Hungary; management of large grazers in other countries; how to reach policy makers and involve citizens; and the scientific studies of other projects.