WINDHOEK, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Namibia Wild Horses Foundation (NWHF) fears that the population of wild horses could soon become extinct, unless drastic measures are urgently taken.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the foundation stated that the Namib Wild Horses are still battling for survival on the Garub plains in the Namib Naukluft Park, near Aus in the Western parts of the country which has not been receiving much rain over the years.
According to the spokesperson, Inke Stoldt, since 2014 there has been no more than 5mm of rain at any one time on the Garub plains, an amount that is insufficient to promote new grass germination or any significant growth of perennial grass.
"The condition of the remaining horses has fluctuated in the last 23 months, depending on the quality and palatability of the feed supplied. Nearly a quarter of the horses has deteriorated dramatically and are in poor or very poor condition, half are in mediocre condition and the rest remain in good condition. Many of the horses will not survive," he said.
At present, only 40 mares and 70 stallions fight for survival.
The wild horses are a valuable national asset as they are a major tourism attraction in the area, thus their extinction will negatively impact tourism in the Karas Region and in Namibia in general.
Tourists have identified the Namib Wild Horses as one of the top ten tourist attractions in Namibia, ranking on par with the Fish River Canyon and Kolmanskop Ghost Town.
