The use of abandoned buildings by Przewalski's horses in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine whether there are any factors that affect the utilization of abandoned farm buildings by Przewalski's horses in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine. The buildings are the remains of former collective farms that were abandoned after the nuclear disaster. We examined 64 buildings of various sizes and location regarding feces cover within the buildings, substrate, geographical orientation, and selected measures of the building structure. A general linear model explained less than 70% of feces cover variability. The substrate type was the most influential variable: hard substrate (concrete or asphalt) presented statistically lower feces cover than medium and soft substrate. Building length was another important building feature that influences feces cover. Other features were not statistically significant. The usage of buildings may be related to the negative influence of hard substrate (concrete or asphalt) on horses' hooves, aggression between individuals in groups, and sense of security. Other factors that were not statistically significant could play an antagonistic role in horses' choices depending on the season; however, these could not be identified in this study.