Mongolia’s Wildlife: Icons of the Landscape
Mongolia is a land of vast, untamed beauty, located at the crossroads of the Central Asian steppes, the Siberian taiga, and the Gobi Desert. It hosts a range of globally significant biodiversity within its boundaries. According to the Ministry of Nature and Green Development, 20% of the country is under special protection categorised nto Strictly Protected Areas, National Parks, Nature Reserves, and National Monuments, with a targeted increase to 30%. The global importance of Mongolia’s ecosystems is also recognized through its six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two World Wildlife Fund Global 200 Ecoregions, eleven Ramsar Sites (Wetlands of International Importance), and seventy Important Bird Areas (IBAs) designated by Birdlife International.
From the snow-capped Altai Mountains to the rolling steppes and arid deserts, Mongolia’s diverse landscapes are home to unique species that define its natural heritage. Among these are the wild Przewalski’s horses (takhi), the Mongolian Saiga Antelope, Siberian Ibex, Black-tailed Gazelle, secretive Pallas’s cat, the elusive snow leopard, and the endangered khulan (wild ass). Each of these species embodies the essence of Mongolia’s varied ecosystems, but their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.
Mongolia’s Wildlife: Icons of Its Wild Spaces
- Wild Horses (Takhi): Once extinct in the wild, the Przewalski’s horse symbolizes resilience. Found in areas like Khustai National Park, these wild horses are a testament to successful rewilding efforts, yet their habitat remains under pressure from human encroachment and competition with livestock.
- Pallas’s Cat: Known locally as manul, this small, fluffy feline is a master of camouflage in Mongolia’s rocky steppe and high-altitude regions. Despite its endearing appearance, the Pallas’s cat is elusive and poorly understood, facing threats from habitat degradation and declining prey populations.
- Snow Leopard: Revered as the “ghost of the mountains,” the snow leopard inhabits Mongolia’s rugged Altai and Gobi mountain ranges. Its role as a top predator underscores the health of its ecosystem, yet poaching, prey depletion, and climate change continue to jeopardize its future.
- Khulan (Wild Ass): A symbol of the Gobi Desert, khulan roam vast distances in search of scarce water and forage. However, their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation and competition for resources with livestock. Explore our partnership with the Association Goviin Khulan and learn about our joint conservation-focused tour here.
Mongolia’s Wildlife: The Challenges: Climate Change, Competition, and Tourism
Mongolia’s herders, the stewards of its grasslands, are facing increasing challenges from climate change. Harsh winter disasters known as “dzud” are becoming more frequent, decimating livestock populations and forcing herders to move into wildlife habitats in search of better grazing. This intensifies competition between livestock and wildlife for dwindling resources, exacerbating habitat degradation and pushing species like the khulan and snow leopard further into conflict with humans.
Tourism, while a valuable source of income for the country, also poses challenges. As tourism has increased, so has the number of tour companies competing in the market. With no regulation or restrictions in place on how tour companies or visitors should behave in these vulnerable protected areas, the influx of visitors to sensitive habitats can disrupt ecosystems and stress wildlife. Without proper regulation, these impacts risk undermining conservation efforts.
This is why it has taken us so long to offer snow leopard tours ourselves. We wanted to ensure that our tours genuinely support conservation rather than just offering a bucket list experience as part of a money making strategy. Protecting Mongolia’s wildlife is a monumental task, but small, dedicated NGOs and citizen scientists—often herders trained to monitor wildlife, conduct surveys, and collect data—play a crucial role. Their work provides critical insights into species populations and behaviors while fostering a sense of stewardship within local communities. These efforts not only benefit wildlife but also support local livelihoods, creating a harmonious balance between conservation and community wellbeing. Our snow leopard tours are designed to work with and support such communities.
At Eternal Landscapes, we believe tourism can and should be a force for good. That’s why, on Earth Day, we published our desire for a sustainable tourism manifesto for Mongolia. While tourism is a cornerstone of the economy, we recognise the critical need for sustainable management to avoid undue pressures on Mongolia’s unique cultural heritage and fragile ecosystems.Two of the proponents are connected with wildlife in Mongolia:
- Implementing Visitor Caps: Limiting the number of visitors to fragile areas, such as snow leopard habitats, is essential to reducing ecological disturbance. Coupled with educating tourists about the vulnerability of these environments, this approach can help balance conservation and tourism.
- Establishing a Conservation Fund: We propose a national conservation fund, financed by a per-visitor contribution upon arrival. This fund would directly support wildlife and habitat protection projects. However, challenges such as corruption at the government level and the equitable allocation of funds must be addressed to ensure its effectiveness.
Mongolia’s Wildlife: A Call to Action
Mongolia’s iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes are integral to its identity, but their survival is far from guaranteed. For those of you who venture into Mongolia’s wild spaces, we ask you to join us in treading lightly, contributing meaningfully, and leaving with a deeper understanding of the intricate interconnectedness that defines this extraordinary land. Here’s a few short guidelines on how you can help to protect Mongolia’s wildlife and wild spaces:
- Follow the Rules: Adhere to regulations designed to protect wild spaces and wildlife. For example, if self-driving in Mongolia or on a motorbike tour, respect speed limits and restrictions on off-road driving.
- Observe Wildlife Responsibly: Watch wildlife from a respectful distance without following or disturbing them. Remain quiet and avoid sudden movements to minimize stress on animals.
- Leave No Trace: Dispose of litter responsibly, including sanitary waste. Avoid making campfires unless explicitly allowed, and stay mindful of where you walk. Learn more about the principles of Leave No Trace here.
- Stick to Designated Areas: Respect restrictions on trails or wildlife viewing areas. Never pressure guides to get closer to wildlife or drive off-road for a better view.
- Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding animals disrupts their natural behavior, damages their health, and increases their risk of predation.
- Purchase Ethical Souvenirs: Support local crafts and products that benefit communities, but avoid buying items made from endangered wildlife.
Together, we can ensure that Mongolia remains a sanctuary for its unique wildlife and the communities that call it home. For inspiration, explore our Mongolia Wildlife Tours, or delve into our Nature Positive Travel philosophy.
