Equus lambei

Evidence from E. lambei mtDNA has shown that Equus lambei is a close relative of the modern wild horse, including the domestic horse, Equus caballus.[4][5][2] Controversy still surrounds E. lambei and the divergence of other similar extinct horse species. Through examinations of the bones and teeth of Equus lambei, many similarities can be seen with the modern horse Equus caballus. There is also a strong resemblance to E. lambei in the metapodials of E. caballus przewalskii and the phalanges of E. caballus lenensis.[2]

Metrical and morphological studies of horse teeth from the Bluefish Caves confirm the close similarity between Equus lambei with wild and domestic horses alive today.[6] E. lambei is a caballus horse, not an ass.[2] Among living horses, the Yukon horse most closely resembles the Przewalski's horse (Equus caballus przewalskii) from Mongolia[2] (now believed to be extinct in the wild) particularly in size and proportions. However, the upper foot bones (metapodials) of Equus lambei are slender compared to Przewalski's horse.[2] The bones of E. lambei also closely resemble the proximal phalanges of E. caballus lenensis, an extinct subspecies from the late Pleistocene of Siberia.[7]

Along with steppe bison (Bison priscus), woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Equus lambei was one of the most common ice-age species known to occupy the steppe-like grasslands of Eastern Beringia.[4][5] E. lambei can be identified by numerous teeth and bones, and one partial carcass discovered in 1993. This E. lambei carcass yielded a radiocarbon date of 26,280 ± 210 years BP.[4][6] The carcass consisted of a large part of the hide, a few tailbones, one lower leg, and some intestine. The hide retained some long blondish mane and tail hairs, coarse whitish upper body hairs, and dark brown hairs on the lower leg.[4][6][2] Large numbers of E. lambei teeth have been found in archaeological sites in the Yukon.[2][7]

Based on the fossil records discovered in the Yukon, Equus lambei is believed to have been a small, slender, caballoid horse (about 4 ft (1.2 m) tall), with a broad skull and a relatively long protocones.[6][7]

In August 2018, a 40,000 year-old foal was discovered in the Batagaika crater, Yakutia in a well preserved condition.[8]

Specifically, the records indicates that E. lambei had a multi-seasonal presence in the same region as other horse species, and a social structure similar to other wild horses. Family herds included four to ten females with their young and an adult alpha stallion.[6][2] Other males were gathered in less socially stable bachelor herds, and consist from groups of two to four adults.[7][9] These two herds did not often share territories.[10]

Both family and bachelor herds were non-selective grazers that forged mostly in a savannah-like regions.[10] These horses fed mostly on grasses, sedges, poppies, mustards, and other flowers such as buttercups and roses. Equus lambei's preferred environment is believed to have been a woodland with sparse clumps of trees. Overall, E. lambei is considered to have been resistant to varying climatic conditions, although most individuals of this species seemed to have died in the winter season. It is also likely that the Equus lambei was susceptible to wolf predation.[6][9]

Modern horses were reintroduced into North America beginning with the Spanish conquest and escaped horses subsequently spread throughout the American Great Plains. The two key elements for defining an animal as a native species are: where it originated, and whether it co-evolved with its current habitat. E. caballus can lay claim to both originating in North America, as well as evolving with the western North American landscape.[10][9] Furthermore, evidence from E. lambei mtDNA now proves that modern horses are not so far removed from their ancient ancestors. Many scientists believe that a good argument can be made that E. caballus, too, should receive protection as a form of native wildlife in North America. However, this topic is still highly debated by wild horse management agencies. This debate has significant implications to wildlife management in North America, including protection and conservation for modern species.