Namibian wild horses. (Photo from Namibia Wild Horses Foundation)

WINDHOEK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Recent rains in drought-prone Namibia have brought relief to the almost extinct wild horses in the south of the country, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism said on Monday.

"The condition of the horses had improved as the vegetation in the area where they reside had improved," said the minitry's spokesman, Romeo Muyunda.

"We are still busy monitoring the situation, but at the moment we are pleased to announce that the horses are flourishing," Muyunda said.

Last year, the situation was so dire that the ministry set in motion a plan to relocate the horses after several environmental groups expressed concern over their survival.

The wild horses' population declined from 168 in 1984 to 86 in 2017, including 51 stallions and 35 mares.

The horses have been roaming the area for more than 100 years, even before the Namib Naukluft Park Desert was declared a national park.