A pair of khulans in Dornogovi province in May 2024. Photo by: Khash-Erdene Bayarsaikhan © WCS Mongolia
The recent dzud, a harsh winter characterized by extreme cold and heavy snowfall, has painted a grim picture across Mongolia. While the devastating effects on livestock and herder communities have dominated headlines, a silent crisis unfolds for the country's remarkable wildlife.
Here at WCS Mongolia, we're deeply concerned about the impact of dzud on ungulate populations, particularly the majestic Khulan (Asiatic Wild Ass).
"The Khulan is not just an iconic symbol of Mongolia's vast steppes," says Dr. Justine Shanti, Country Director of WCS Mongolia. "They're vital for our ecosystem's health. Given their 'Near Threatened' status, we need to understand the impact of dzud and other threats on Khulan populations to inform our conservation efforts."
The full extent of the dzud's impact on wildlife is still being assessed. However, early reports from Mongolia's Emergency Management Agency paint a worrying picture. The livestock industry, a vital source of food and income for herders, has suffered immense losses, with over 7 million animals perishing by April 2024.
"This large-scale loss provides a concerning glimpse into the potential impact on wild ungulates facing similar resource limitations," says Dr. Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar (Buuvei), Senior Scientist at WCS Mongolia.
While data on dzud specific to wild ungulate populations is limited, we cannot overlook the parallels. The challenges arising from limited availability and accessibility to resources, caused by prolonged snowstorms during the dzud, closely resemble those faced by livestock. These conditions can lead to starvation, decreased reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to disease and predation.
The Khulan, with its dependence on grazing, is particularly vulnerable. These hardy creatures have adapted to Mongolia's harsh climate, but dzud's severity can push them beyond their limits.
"The Khulan is a resilient animal, capable of covering vast distances to mitigate the impacts of extreme climate events like the dzud. However, the rapid expansion of linear infrastructure in South Gobi, such as railways and roads, presents a significant new challenge. This development disrupts their movement patterns and habitats, restricting access to essential resources during harsh winters and further exacerbating the difficulties they face during the dzud," explains Dr. Buuvei.
The Need for Monitoring and Action
The lack of readily available data on dzud's impact on wildlife highlights a critical gap in our understanding of how Mongolia's wildlife responds to these phenomena. To effectively protect Mongolia's wildlife, we need to develop robust monitoring programs specifically focused on ungulates during these extreme events.
Such programs would provide crucial data on their population dynamics, movement patterns, and habitat use during the dzud. This is crucial for conservation strategies for the dzud preparedness and mitigation, identifying areas requiring additional protection measures, and informing policy decisions to ensure a holistic approach to managing Mongolia's natural resources during disasters.
The recent dzud serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Mongolia's wildlife to extreme weather events. Understanding how Khulan and other ungulates utilize habitats during harsh winters can inform conservation strategies. This includes not only identifying areas where supplemental feeding might be necessary but also assessing the impact of habitat fragmentation on their movements.
"Moving forward, a multi-pronged approach that addresses both dzud preparedness and habitat connectivity is vital for the long-term conservation of the Khulan," states Dr. Shanti.
At WCS Mongolia, we remain dedicated to the conservation of Mongolia's unique wildlife heritage. Through research, collaboration, and community engagement, we can build a future where both wildlife and herder communities can thrive alongside the ever-changing Mongolian landscape.