The reintroduction of Bosnian Mountain Horses to the Velebit rewilding area in Croatia marks a significant step in preserving this ancient and endangered breed. On the morning of September 29th, a transport coordinated with the International Association of Bosnian Mountain Horse breeders successfully delivered five horses to Petar Knežević’s farm in Malo Libinje. This initiative not only aims to bolster the dwindling population of these indigenous horses but also contributes to the broader rewilding efforts in the region.
The herd, consisting of two stallions and three mares, was carefully selected from Gorski Kotar, Croatia. The Bosnian mountain horse, a breed with roots in the former Yugoslavia, faces a precarious future, with only around 200 individuals remaining. Rewilding Europe’s program in Velebit is thus a crucial contribution to the survival of this authentic equine heritage.
The journey up the Velebit mountain was challenging for the transport truck, requiring a slow and steady pace along the winding roads. Despite the arduous drive, the ascent offered breathtaking views of the Adriatic coast and the rugged mountain landscape. En route, the truck passed by a herd of approximately 20 native mountain horses and the striking Boškarin cattle, adding to the visual spectacle of the rewilding area.
Upon arrival at Petar Knežević’s farm, the new horses were initially released into a small, fenced enclosure. This measure was implemented to allow them to acclimate to their new surroundings and recover from the journey. While this approach prevented the dramatic “running to freedom” photo opportunities, it was a necessary precaution due to recent wolf predation in the area. To mitigate further losses, Petar had been gathering the horses into a corral near his farm each night.
Following the unloading, a communal meal provided an opportunity for discussion about the wolf predation and the concerns for the newly arrived horses. Despite differing opinions, the shared commitment to ensuring the best chances for the horses’ survival was evident. After completing the necessary paperwork, most attendees departed, leaving Petar and the author to spend a few more days in this remote and beautiful location.
The subsequent days were filled with exploration of the magnificent valley. The grey and black Boškarin cattle blended seamlessly with the rocky landscape, showcasing their natural camouflage. The horses were observed grazing higher up on the slopes, a recurring image over the next few days. The valley teemed with life, from various grasshopper species and large dung beetles to numerous butterflies and a rich variety of birds, including migratory species like redstarts, robins, tits, and thrushes, as well as wheatears, stonechats, whinchats, larks, and wagtails in the more open areas. A visit to a waterhole further down the valley revealed fresh wolf tracks, including those of young wolves, indicating the presence of a wolf family.
Evenings were spent assisting Petar in gathering the horses for overnight protection in the corral. The Boškarin cattle, having proven resilient to wolf attacks, remained in the open. Only the youngest calves were housed in the barn until they were strong enough to join the herd.
A decision was made to release the new horses from the fence the following day, with the intention of integrating them with the existing herd in the evening. This integration led to some minor scuffles between the stallions, but peace was quickly restored. The next morning, after a sturdy calf was released and welcomed by the herd, the rest of the horses were let out into the valley. They eagerly grazed on the fresh grass, having been deprived of it for two days. While the established stallion made attempts to incorporate the new group into his, the new mares remained distinct. The new group spent the day grazing alongside the Boškarin cows, while the other horses sought shelter from the fierce Bura winds on the hillsides.
One mare from the new group exhibited remarkable determination by leading her companions from the valley to Petar’s farm in search of water, demonstrating a quick adaptation to their new environment.
The subsequent challenge involved herding all the horses into the corral for the night. This task, though requiring some effort, was managed successfully with two people. The responsibility would soon fall solely on Petar, who possesses an intimate knowledge of the horses and the mountains, and a deep commitment to their welfare. The unique situation of wolves in Malo Libinje specializing in preying on horses presents a significant challenge for rewilding efforts. However, the historical coexistence of millions of horses and wolves for thousands of years offers a hopeful precedent for successful integration in this area.
The following morning, the horses were released, and the robust calf had successfully survived its first night in the wild. While it was time for departure, the beauty and significance of Malo Libinje ensure it will not be the last visit to this vital rewilding site.
