Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Cao Hua) news: On July 16, 2025, a herd of Przewalski's horses grazed peacefully on the grasslands in the northern section of Ningxia Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve, with the lead stallion keeping a watchful eye on its surroundings.

"Look, two foals are with the herd!" called out Li Zhong, deputy director of the Hongguozi Management Station under the reserve's administration. Amid the tan-colored horses, two white foals stayed close to their mothers, their striking coat color making them easily noticeable. Behind them, the Helan Mountain range extended into the distance.

Between late 2024 and April this year, the reserve introduced 18 Przewalski's horses from Xinjiang in three separate batches, including five pregnant mares. Soon after their arrival, these mares gave birth, raising hopes for the species' population growth and expansion in Helan Mountain.

The first foal was born late on the night of April 13, 2025. When reserve staff spotted it the next day during their patrol, the foal was already trotting alongside its mother.

Photo taken shows Przewalski's horses forage at the foot of Helan Mountain. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Cao Hua)

"Przewalski's horses have an 11-month gestation period, so these mares likely became pregnant in Xinjiang last spring or summer," said Li Xiaopeng, a ranger with the Daolugou Forest Protection Group at the Hongguozi Management Station. "This spring, we noticed some mares' bellies growing larger, so we boosted their nutrition. Along with alfalfa and oat grass, we added apples, eggs, and carrots to their diet. During the summer heat, we even fed them watermelon to help keep them cool."

The herd showed great care for the newborns. On hot days, adult horses would shield the foals from the sun, and if alarmed, they quickly encircled the young to protect them.

To prevent human disturbances, the reserve established checkpoints at access points to the horses' habitat, with staff on duty around the clock. Surveillance cameras were also installed to monitor the horses remotely. These measures minimize unnecessary interference while allowing prompt action if needed, ensuring the horses thrive in Helan Mountain.

"The birth of these five foals has delighted everyone at the reserve. Their arrival signals a new phase and fresh hope for wild horse conservation here," said Zhu Yachao, deputy head of the reserve's scientific research department.

Photo shows two newborn foals follow their mother as she keeps alert watch over their surroundings. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Cao Hua)

Helan Mountain, situated in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is an ancient range shaped by more than two billion years of geological activity. It also serves as a vital biodiversity hotspot. The reserve boasts 420,000 mu (about 28,000 hectares) of forest, covering 14.53 percent of the area, and supports a rich variety of species—including 329 wild vertebrates, 649 vascular plants, 204 mosses, 97 lichens, 259 macrofungi, and 1,936 insect species.

In September 2024, with support from the Xinjiang Forestry and Grassland Bureau and coordination by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ningxia launched the Przewalski's Horse Reintroduction Project in Helan Mountain to help the species thrive and establish a stable population there.

"All the relocated horses have now been released into the wild," said Zhu Yachao. "The northern part of the reserve shares similar vegetation, terrain, and climate with Xinjiang's Karamaile Mountain Ungulate Wildlife Nature Reserve, making the transition smoother for the horses. They've adapted well to their new habitat." The reserve has organized the horses into three distinct family groups and plans to facilitate genetic exchange with Xinjiang's Przewalski's horse population in the future, ensuring a sustainable wild herd.

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