The present status and problems in the preservation of ungulate animal populations in the arid zones of Mongolia

Abstract

The present state of the wild ungulate populations (Mongolian gazelle, mountain sheep, Mongolian khulan, wild Bactrian camel, Mongolian saiga, and Przewalsky’s horse) in arid zones of Mongolia is considered. The dynamics of animal population sizes and the relative areas of their ranges within the nature reserves of Mongolia are presented. The nature reserve network of Mongolian arid zones is shown to be insufficient for the preservation of wild ungulates, especially for the goitered gazelle and Mongolian khulan. The major reasons for the reduction in the ranges of all ungulates include expansion of the mining industry, competition for resources with domesticated animals, and the increasing difficulty of access to watering places. Justification for the elaboration of ethical norms and ecological approaches to the reduction of poaching is given.