In Chinese paleontological research, Hipparion (three-toed horse) fossils provide key evidence for understanding global paleoenvironmental change and biogeographic patterns.

Scientific studies show that Hipparion underwent intercontinental migration over millions of years and developed remarkable species diversity, making it a crucial model for studying equid evolution and environmental adaptation.

Research institutions including the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have conducted long-term studies.

Hipparion fossils discovered in 1979 in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region provided key evidence for studies on the uplift of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Subsequent monographs and ongoing research have further refined the evolutionary framework of Hipparion.

Research shows that around 11.5 million years ago, ancient Hipparion had already spread across the Afro-Eurasia and gradually adapted to different environmental conditions.

Over time, the genus developed distinct forms suited to dry open landscapes in Asia and more humid forest environments in Europe and northern Africa, demonstrating strong environmental adaptability.

Through carbon and oxygen stable isotope studies, researchers found that long-snouted Hipparion mainly lived in open environments and gradually developed the ability to feed on coarse grasses. This early-formed adaptation helped the species survive environmental changes.

On the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, where the average elevation is about 4,000 meters, researchers observed areas dominated by a single Hipparion species. Scientists believe this is linked to terrain and climate shaped by plateau uplift, offering valuable clues to how geological changes influence biological evolution.

Among living species, Przewalski's horse is the only surviving wild horse species, with an evolutionary history of about 60 million years. Due to excessive hunting in modern history, it gradually disappeared from its native habitats, and the last wild individual was recorded in Mongolia in 1969.

To conserve the species, China launched the "Wild Horse Return" program in 1985, introducing individuals from overseas and establishing breeding bases in Xinjiang and Gansu. Scientific conservation measures were then implemented, including captive breeding, semi-wild training and step-by-step reintroduction.

In 2001, 27 Przewalski's horses were released into the Kalamaili Mountain Ungulate Nature Reserve in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, marking a new stage of rewilding.

After decades of protection and scientific support, the population has steadily recovered. By 2025, the Przewalski's horse population in China exceeded 900 individuals, forming stable populations across Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia. This recovery is widely regarded as a major case of successful endangered species reintroduction.

According to the traditional Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Chengcheng, one of the mascots for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, is modeled after the Przewalski's horse.

From the evolutionary adaptation of Hipparion to the population recovery of Przewalski's horse, Chinese research and wildlife conservation efforts have formed a continuous scientific link between paleontological research and modern biodiversity protection.