An Assessment of the Protected Areas of the Eastern Steppe of Mongolia

Abstract

An assessment of the status of the ten Protected Areas in the Eastern Steppe of Mongolia was conducted during the summer of 2004. A method designed to satisfy international standards was adapted and used to complete the assessments. The assessment consisted of a review of current information along with field visits to each of the ten areas as well as potential new protected areas. Qualitative biological and administrative information was collected, interviews conducted, threats identified, and recommendations developed. In general, the habitats of the areas were found to be largely intact, if stressed to varying degrees, but wildlife populations appeared to be low and decreasing. Threats identified included excessive off-take of animals and plants (both legal and illegal), overgrazing by livestock, wildfires, drought, and mining. Recommendations were developed for the Protected Areas in general, as well as for individual areas.

Keywords

• assessments
• Mongolia
• protected areas