World Wildlife Day Mongolia
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Last updated 3 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: March 5, 2020
World Wildlife Day Mongolia
On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 3rd as World Wildlife Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), signed in 1973. This global observance highlights the importance of conserving the world’s diverse wildlife and plants.
In Mongolia, World Wildlife Day provides an opportunity to shine a light on our collaboration with Association Goviin Khulan, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of the Mongolian khulan (wild ass) and its habitat. Our annual discussions with Anne-Camille Souris, the founder of the NGO, offer valuable insights into the challenges and progress of wildlife conservation in Mongolia.
Two Mongolian Wild Ass (Khulan) in Mongolia’s southern Gobi
World Wildlife Day Mongolia: What Is A Khulan?
The Mongolian Khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) is one of the five subspecies of the Asiatic Wild Ass and represents a significant population in Mongolia. Despite being legally protected, the khulan faces numerous threats, including illegal hunting, habitat loss due to climate change, competition with livestock, infrastructure development, and mining.
According to Anne-Camille, the main threats that affect wildlife in Mongolia are:
‘…illegal hunting and trade (for meat, skin and traditional medicine), climate change which is impacting on wildlife habitat and availability of natural resources (including water), the current railway which is limiting movements of some migratory species (such as Mongolian gazelle, black-tailed gazelle and Mongolian khulan but as a good start about 100km of fences has been removed in the Gobi area), the competition with domestic livestock to access to natural resources, especially in the Gobi where the resources are rarer, and an increasing number of mining sites that could disturb wildlife and have an impact on the water sources and land if not properly managed.’
A Tarbagan marmot is captured in this image as it keeps an eye out for predators amongst the Mongolian steppe
‘…the protection of endangered/threatened species and their habitat can be efficient in the long-term only if the local community is directly involved in conservation activities, if conservation education is implemented in the area and if the local community can benefit from the conservation activities and understand how the community can also benefit from the protection of local wild species and their habitat. ‘
This is Batsaikhan – local protected area ranger of Baga Gazriin Chuluu in Mongolia’s middle Gobi
Conservation in Action
Through its expeditions and long-term conservation tourism programme, the Association Goviin Khulan (AGK) aims to achieve a range of impactful objectives. One primary goal is to diversify income sources and provide meaningful support to the communities where AGK operates. The organisation also seeks to establish a Community Grant and a Conservation Fund, sustained by financial contributions from these expeditions. These funds are directed toward critical initiatives, including conservation education, professional capacity building, and research activities led by AGK.
In addition, AGK leverages its expeditions as platforms to raise both local and international awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats in the Gobi region. These efforts not only promote biodiversity conservation but also foster a deeper understanding of the Gobi’s fragile ecosystems.
Looking ahead, Anne-Camille envisions a future shaped by collaborative efforts that drive increased conservation awareness and engagement among stakeholders. Her vision includes enhanced technical and financial support for protected area rangers, ecological patrols, and NGOs actively working on the front lines of wildlife and nature preservation.
“We need more conservation-minded people and more stakeholders working together to protect Mongolian biodiversity, alongside greater technical and financial support for protected area rangers, ecological police patrols, and NGOs working in the field to strengthen wildlife and nature protection.”
Association Goviin Khulan’s Educational Initiatives
Recognising the pivotal role of education in conservation, the Association Goviin Khulan created “The Lost Khulan of The Gobi,” a bilingual conservation-focused book beautifully illustrated by Mongolian artist Zolbootulguldur O. This engaging book tells the story of two children helping a lost baby khulan, weaving together a narrative that captures the imagination while conveying an important message about wildlife conservation.
Beyond the story, the book includes a chapter with scientific insights about the Mongolian khulan, offering readers a deeper understanding of this remarkable species. Another chapter provides practical guidance on how individuals can actively contribute to the protection of the khulan and its fragile habitat, empowering readers to take meaningful action.
The book serves as a valuable educational tool, used by local partners and educational institutions to raise awareness about the Mongolian khulan and broader conservation issues. By engaging children and communities, it fosters a deeper connection to the Gobi Desert’s unique biodiversity and inspires future generations to become advocates for its preservation.
Anu Naran – a young, Mongolian contemporary artist and a friend of Association Goviin Khulan – has designed artwork beautifully illustrated with a female Mongolian khulan and its foal which are used to decorate products sold by Association Goviin Khulan in support of their conservation and research program including the protection of the Khulan and the ecosystem of the Gobi. Have a look at their online shop as the gifts are perfect for anyone who loves art or wildlife.
“The Lost Khulan of The Gobi” has played a pivotal role in advancing conservation awareness across Mongolia. It has been utilised by the Wildlife Conservation Society Mongolia and Говийн бага дархан цаазат газар, a local partner of the Association Goviin Khulan, during a community awareness event in the Khanbogd community of the southeastern Gobi.
The book has also been included in the ‘nature education trunk’ initiative, reaching communities in the Khanbogd and Sainshand regions. Copies have been generously distributed to families involved in the khulan conservation program, the dedicated staff of the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area ‘B,’ and local schoolchildren.
Further amplifying its educational impact, an English teacher from a local school invited AGK to deliver a presentation on the Mongolian khulan to students. This collaboration has significantly extended the book’s reach, fostering a deeper understanding of conservation and inspiring future advocates for the Gobi Desert’s unique biodiversity.
Join the Effort to Protect Mongolia’s Khulan
If you’re inspired to support this remarkable initiative on World Wildlife Day, visit the Association Goviin Khulan Facebook page to learn more and contribute to their vital conservation education efforts aimed at protecting Mongolia’s khulan.
Alternatively, for a truly hands-on way to contribute, join our Mongolian Conservation and Research Expedition, created in partnership with the Association Goviin Khulan. Discover more here and get involved here.
This expedition goes far beyond “tick-list tourism.” It’s a journey of authentic engagement and grassroots action, where your participation directly supports the Association Goviin Khulan’s mission to safeguard the khulan, preserve its habitat, and empower the communities of the Gobi Desert. Together, we can make a lasting impact, protecting this endangered species and the delicate ecosystems it calls home.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
