Once found over much of the Steppes in Central Asia, the Mongolian Wild Horse became nearly extinct in the wild by the twentieth century, but conservation efforts have helped to re-establish them in their historic range, which includes western Mongolia, northwestern China, and parts of Kazakhstan; a total of approximately 2,500 remain. Midway in size between a Shetland Pony and a Thoroughbred, this wild horse is generally tawny with a black stripe along the back. Unlike domestic horses (including mustangs) it lacks a forelock (tuft of hair hanging down between the ears), the mane being comprised of stiff, bristle-like hairs. A related species, the Tarpan (Equus ferus) inhabited eastern Europe and western Asia, but was exterminated by the end of the nineteenth century. All domestic breeds are descended from the Tarpan, which had a tawny or slate-gray (in forested regions) coat.