Mongolia Wildlife Conservation Tour: The Khulan and a Community-Focused Approach in the Gobi

Last updated 1 month ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: December 20, 2024

Mongolia Wildlife Conservation Tour: : The Khulan and a Community-Focused Approach in the Gobi

You’ve likely heard of Africa’s Big Five, a celebrated group of iconic animals symbolising the diversity and conservation of the African plains. But did you know that Mongolia has its own initiative to protect its most remarkable wildlife? Enter the Great Gobi Six (GG6)—a conservation effort launched by WWF-Mongolia in 2016 to safeguard six flagship species that epitomise the unique biodiversity of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert.

The GG6 species – the Wild Bactrian Camel, Goitered Gazelle, Mongolian Khulan (Wild Ass), Gobi Bear, Takhi (Przewalski’s Horse), and Mongolian Saiga Antelope—are all classified as endangered, vulnerable, near threatened or critical on the IUCN red list. These species are not only symbols of the Gobi’s extraordinary ecosystem but also critical indicators of its overall health. The GG6 initiative addresses threats such as habitat degradation, illegal hunting, climate change, and competition with livestock, ensuring the survival of these animals and the balance of the Gobi Desert ecosystem.

Watch a compelling BBC Asia clip highlighting the Gobi Bears and their incredible struggle for survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

The Mongolian Khulan: A Keystone Species of the Gobi

The Mongolian Khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) holds a crucial position as one of the five recognised subspecies of the Asiatic Wild Ass, representing a significant population within Mongolia. As a keystone species, its presence and behaviour directly shape the health, structure, and sustainability of the desert ecosystem.

The khulan’s extensive movements across vast landscapes play a vital role in the regeneration of vegetation through seed dispersal. Their grazing patterns help maintain plant diversity, preventing any single species from dominating and fostering a balanced ecosystem. Their grazing also creates feeding opportunities for smaller herbivores, such as the goitered gazelle, reinforcing their critical role in maintaining biodiversity.

Additionally, khulans demonstrate remarkable adaptability by digging water holes at dry water points during droughts. This not only allows them to access water but also provides a vital resource for other species, further highlighting their importance in sustaining the delicate balance of the Gobi Desert ecosystem.

For Mongolians, the khulan symbolises the resilience and freedom of the steppe. However, threats such as habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development, illegal hunting, and competition for resources with domestic livestock jeopardize its survival. Protecting the khulan is essential not only for the ecosystem but also for preserving Mongolia’s cultural heritage.

A Community-Focused Approach to Conservation

The Association Goviin Khulan exemplifies a people-centred conservation approach, integrating local knowledge and prioritising the needs of communities in Dorngobi Aimag. This approach recognises that wildlife conservation is most successful when local people are empowered to take an active role.

Initiatives of the Association Goviin Khulan

• Diversifying Income Sources: Supporting local communities with alternative livelihoods linked to conservation efforts.
• Establishing Community Grants and Funds: Providing financial resources for education, research, and professional development programmes.
• Promoting Awareness: Educating both local and international audiences about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

By fostering trust and collaboration with local communities, the Association Goviin Khulan ensures conservation initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for both people and wildlife.

Citizen Scientists: The Unsung Heroes of Conservation

At the heart of the Mongolian khulan’s conservation are citizen scientists—individuals from local communities who play an essential role in grassroots conservation efforts. Their contributions include:

• Monitoring and Data Collection: Recording wildlife sightings, tracking migration patterns, and documenting threats to inform conservation strategies.
• Community Engagement: Acting as biodiversity ambassadors within their communities, inspiring others to care for the Gobi ecosystem.
• Educational Outreach: Sharing knowledge through workshops and discussions to promote widespread conservation awareness.

Citizen scientists provide a critical link between scientific research and the practical realities of life in the Gobi. They ensure conservation strategies are grounded in local expertise and informed by firsthand observations. Anne-Camille Souris, founder of the Association Goviin Khulan, emphasises:

“Citizen scientists are the backbone of our conservation work. Their dedication, insights, and local knowledge bring a depth of understanding that drives meaningful change for the Mongolian khulan.”

For travellers seeking meaningful adventure, our Mongolia Wildlife Conservation Tour: The Khulan (also named our Mongolian Conservation and Research Expedition) offers an opportunity to explore the Gobi Desert while contributing directly to conservation efforts.

Unlike many tourism programmes that focus on headline species like snow leopards, this expedition prioritises the Mongolian Khulan, an unsung hero of the Gobi ecosystem. The journey is not about “tick-list tourism” but about authentic engagement and grassroots action. It’s about knowing that your tour funds will be used to help Association Goviin Khulan in its efforts to help protect the khulan and its natural habitat, and the people who call this land home.

What Makes This Mongolia Wildlife Conservation Tour Experience Unique?

• Collaboration with Citizen Scientists: Meet the trained citizen scientists working with the Association Goviin Khulan and gain firsthand insight into their vital work.
• Immersive Learning: Understand the challenges and innovative solutions in conserving wildlife in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
•  Cultural Connection: Experience the landscapes, traditions, and way of life of the Gobi Desert while contributing to its preservation.

This expedition goes beyond the typical Mongolia wildlife conservation tour—it’s an opportunity to actively participate in a community-driven initiative to protect the Mongolian Khulan and preserve the Gobi Desert’s extraordinary biodiversity.

The Mongolian Khulan is more than a keystone species; it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, freedom, and the intricate balance of the Gobi Desert ecosystem. Thanks to the dedication of grassroots organizations like the **Association Goviin Khulan** and the contributions of citizen scientists, this endangered species has a fighting chance for survival.

Be a part of this vital mission. Join us in supporting the Association Goviin Khulan’s essential conservation efforts and help secure the future of Mongolia’s khulan and the remarkable biodiversity of the Gobi Desert. Together, we can make a lasting impact.