Przewalski’s Horses and the Ecological, Cultural, and Olfactory Significance of Dung

D ung is far more than mere waste—it is an aromatic imprint of an animal’s diet, carrying the botanical essence of the surrounding vegetation. Whether from herbivores grazing on wild meadows, peatland flora, or spice-laden forests, its scent encapsulates the landscape’s biodiversity.

In Mongolia, the dung of Przewalski’s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii), one of the most ancient and genetically distinct equine species, is traditionally collected for use as incense and in cooking. These critically endangered wild horses graze exclusively on the organic grasses of the Mongolian steppes, interwoven with aromatic plants such as sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), feathergrass (Stipa spp.), and thyme (Thymus spp.). Their dung retains the olfactory signature of these plants, producing a sweet, herbaceous scent that reflects the ecology of the steppe. Beyond its sensory qualities, the dung also contains biological markers conveying information about the horse’s sexual maturity and reproductive status, which can be detected by other members of the species.

Unlike domesticated horses, Przewalski’s horses represent a distinct evolutionary lineage, possessing a different chromosome count and reaffirming their unique taxonomic status. Their presence is essential to the health of the steppe ecosystem. Through their grazing patterns, they regulate plant growth, stimulate grass regeneration, and contribute to carbon sequestration, all of which enhance the resilience of grasslands in the face of climate change. Their foraging behavior prevents the overdominance of particular plant species, promoting biodiversity and ensuring that a range of flora can flourish. This, in turn, supports a diverse array of insects and other wildlife that depend on the varied vegetation for sustenance and habitat. Moreover, by reducing the accumulation of dry, combustible plant matter, their grazing helps mitigate the risk of wildfires, demonstrating the role of megafauna in natural land management.

The Mongolian steppe is one of the largest and most intact temperate grassland ecosystems on Earth, providing critical environmental services on a global scale. As a carbon sink, it plays a significant role in mitigating climate change by storing atmospheric carbon within its deep-rooted grasses. The steppe also regulates water cycles, preventing desertification and supporting diverse species adapted to its harsh yet dynamic environment. However, like many grassland ecosystems worldwide, the Mongolian steppe faces threats from climate change and land-use conversion. The conservation of Przewalski’s horses, therefore, not only safeguards a rare species but also contributes to the protection of this vital biome, ensuring its ecological functions remain intact for future generations.

The Mongolian people, too, are integral to this interconnected system, utilizing the horses’ dung as a resource and reinforcing the deep cultural and ecological ties between human communities and the landscape. They collect Przewalski’s horse dung for use as incense and in cooking, a scent they deeply cherish. The conservation of Przewalski’s horses, therefore, extends beyond the protection of a single species—it is an effort to sustain the intricate web of relationships that define the Mongolian steppes. Their survival is not only an ecological imperative but also a means of preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.

By safeguarding Przewalski’s horses, conservationists are, in effect, protecting an entire ecosystem, highlighting the interdependence of species, landscapes, and human traditions in the broader narrative of ecological resilience.

Gayil Nalls, PhD is an interdisciplinary artist and theorist. She is the founder of the World Sensorium Conservancy and the editor of its journal, Plantings.