A major milestone for steppe restoration was reached as a group of globally endangered kulans (Asiatic wild ass) were released from the “Alibi” Reintroduction Center into the vast landscapes of the Altyn Dala State Reserve in Central Kazakhstan. Their move into the wild from the acclimatization enclosure, where they had been for one year, was called a “soft release” taking place over several days, with the animals leaving the acclimatization enclosure in small groups, between August 25th and 27th, 2025. Multiple kulans carry GPS collars and newly introduced solar-powered GPS ear tags, which are now providing valuable insights into their movements across the steppe.
Kulans (Equus hemionus kulan) once roamed the Torgai steppe in Kazakhstan, which is a vast landscape in the heart of Central Asian grassland ecosystems. Owing to human pressures, these mammals disappeared from this area more than a century ago. Since 2017, the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative together with an international consortium of scientific and conservation organisations has been working to bring this endangered keystone species back from other parts of the country where the species survived in small numbers. Annual intra-Kazakhstan translocations have steadily built up a free-roaming kulan population, with rangers documenting multiple foal births – clear signs of their resilience and the potential for long-term recovery.
The Altyn Dala Reserve in the Kostanay Region was selected for reintroduction due to its vast, uninhabited steppe habitat, and its existing nature protection infrastructure which makes it ideal for restoring Central Kazakhstan’s native fauna.
A Year in the Reintroduction Center
Over the past year after translocation, the kulans have adapted well to their surroundings. They formed a close group, with no aggressive behaviour or social problems, which is remarkable for this species. Winter monitoring showed that they largely preferred natural grazing over hay, digging through snow with their hooves to reach grass. However, during periods of heavy snow additional feeding and occasional veterinary interventions were required. This successful acclimatization period ensured the animals were in good health and well-prepared for life beyond the enclosure.
Tagging Innovation: a new, low-stress approach
To support long-term monitoring, six kulans were fitted with tracking devices using both GPS collars and new solar-powered ear tags - the first time this technology has been used on kulans. Tagging and collaring started in April this year, when three kulans were captured in the acclimatization enclosure after trialling a new approach. Usually, to capture, anaesthetise and perform any kind of intervention on these intelligent, sensitive and fast-moving equids they are chased and darted from a moving vehicle. The team of veterinarians and rangers employed a new, low-stress approach: They trained the animals with strategically placed food and water and used night-vision to dart them with high precision after hours and hours of patient waiting in the dark. With this new method, never documented before, they have successfully fit three juveniles with ear tags and three adult females with both satellite collars and ear tags.
“Kulans are very clever animals. We tried to capture them during the day over almost 2 weeks when they would come for drinking, but they quickly noticed when something was different from their usual routine and stayed away from the watering place, so darting wasn't possible”, said Julia Bohner, wildlife veterinarian specialized in wild equids from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) who headed the veterinary procedures of the mission. “We switched tactics and worked at night, when they don’t expect people around. For the immobilization we used an etorphine-free anaesthesia protocol that has minimal impact on the respiratory system and does not trigger the strong flight reaction typically seen with opioid-based protocols.”
The capturing and collaring was collaborative work from a big team where everyone had his or her own task – carrying of equipment, collection of samples, anaesthesia monitoring, application of collars and marking of the animal. With the new routine, all captures went smoothly, with excellent vital parameters. During recovery the kulans got up easily and were almost immediately able to re-join the group. The team was delighted with the outcome of the captures and is confident about using this approach in the future.
The lightweight ear tags are designed to minimize disturbance to the animal and are powered by solar batteries expected to last up to five years. Before release, the animals were carefully monitored over a period of three months to ensure they tolerated the tags well.
Explorers of the Steppe
Monitoring data already shows the distinctive behaviour of this highly mobile species: some kulans have ventured northwest to explore lakes and wetlands before returning south along the same path, while others are gradually moving southeast along newly created trails, covering an average distance of 26 km a day. Understanding these movements is crucial - the way these pioneering animals explore and claim new territory will shape how future generations use and navigate the steppe.
“The movement data shows that different kulan groups are already crossing paths in the same areas. In the future, we hope to see these GPS signals meeting and intertwining,” said Albert Salemgareyev, Head of the Wild Ungulate Reintroduction Centre at Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK). “These kulans are pioneers of a future population, literally blazing the trails that others will follow. The vast new territory can initially be disorienting, and kulans thrive best when they live and move in groups.” In the coming years, the team plans to bring around 100 kulans to the region. With more animals in the steppe, they will more easily find each other, form cohesive groups, and improve their survival chances, thus creating a sustainable and thriving future population.
Pioneers of a Future Population & Lessons for Future Translocations
What makes this group particularly unique is that they are the first kulans to undergo a 50+ hour overland translocation from Altyn Emel National Park to Central Kazakhstan. Previous groups had been moved by air - a faster method but one that significantly limited the number of animals per transfer. The new ground transport method, developed over nearly a year, allows for larger groups to be moved safely and efficiently. For the transport the team uses custom-built containers allowing animals to be fed, watered, and monitored with video surveillance, ensuring their wellbeing throughout the 2,139 km journey.
Every translocation and release provides valuable insights and learnings: The team’s aim is to integrate all possible improvements without delay. This year the kulans will first spend the initial acclimatization period upon arrival in a smaller 60×80 meter corral. Here they can be closely monitored, treated for parasites if needed, supplemented with vitamins, and provided with immediate access to feed and water. This setup ensures fast recovery after the long trip before they are moved to larger acclimatization enclosures.
“The return of kulans and wild horses is more than a reintroduction - it is the revival of the natural spirit of the Torgai steppe. These species are key to restoring the balance of this unique ecosystem. This achievement is only possible thanks to the dedication and partnership of many organizations working together for the future of Kazakhstan’s wild landscapes,” said Stephanie Ward, Kazakhstan Programme Leader at Frankfurt Zoological Society.
About the partnership
The kulan reintroduction program is implemented under the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative – a partnership between the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and Fauna & Flora. The veterinary leadership is provided by the Leibniz-IZW and the project is further supported by Nuremberg Zoo, and the South African wildlife transport specialists Conservation Solutions.