Mongolia is a vast landlocked nation defined by an extreme continental climate and expansive, largely unspoiled wilderness. This geography creates sharply contrasting environments, ranging from arid deserts to high alpine peaks and dense northern forests. The resulting landscapes host unique wildlife that has evolved remarkable adaptations to survive wide temperature swings and sparse resources.
Defining Mongolia’s Diverse Biomes
Mongolia is divided into four distinct ecological zones that dictate where certain species thrive. The immense Central and Eastern Steppe, characterized by rolling grasslands, supports vast herds and plains-dwelling mammals. To the south, the Gobi Desert is a cold, arid expanse of rocky terrain and sand dunes where specialized desert animals endure dramatic temperature fluctuations. In the west, the Altai Mountains create a rugged environment of rocky slopes and alpine meadows, while the northern reaches transition into the Taiga forests, an extension of the Siberian boreal zone.
Icons of the Steppe and Gobi Desert
The steppes and deserts are home to Mongolia’s most recognized species, uniquely equipped for open plains and arid conditions. The Przewalski’s Horse, known locally as the Takhi, is the last truly wild horse species and a symbol of national pride. Though once extinct in the wild, it has been successfully reintroduced to protected areas, including Hustai National Park and the Gobi Strictly Protected Area.
Deep in the desert, the wild camel (Camelus ferus) survives as a distinct species from the domesticated Bactrian camel. With fewer than 950 individuals remaining, the wild camel, or khavtgai, is critically endangered. Its adaptation includes the ability to consume saltwater, a feat its domestic relative cannot manage.
The Saiga Antelope is instantly recognizable by its oversized, bulbous, and downward-pointing nose. This unique nasal structure functions as an air-conditioning system. In winter, the convoluted airways warm the inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. In summer, the structure cools the air and filters out dust stirred up during migration.
High Altitude and Forest Predators
The Altai and Khangai Mountains provide habitat for species that prefer high-altitude seclusion. The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is a master of camouflage, typically living above the tree line between 2,500 and 5,000 meters in elevation. Its physical traits allow it to thrive in this cold, rocky environment. These traits include a thick coat, wide fur-covered paws that function like snowshoes, and a long tail for balance and insulation.
The Siberian Ibex shares the rugged mountain terrain, known for its massive, backward-curving, ridged horns that can exceed a meter in length on mature males. The ibex’s stocky build and large, rough-soled hooves enable it to navigate the steepest cliffs and rocky scree with agility. These grazers are a primary food source for predators like the Snow Leopard. The Mongolian Wolf is a prevalent predator in the northern Taiga forests, and the Wild Yak occupies the harsher northern and western regions.
Wildlife and the Nomadic Culture
The relationship between the Mongolian people and animals centers on centuries-old nomadic pastoralism that relies on the “Five Snouts” (tavan khoshuu mal). These five types of livestock—horses, camels, yaks/cattle, sheep, and goats—are the foundation of the traditional economy. The animals supply meat, dairy (such as airag, or fermented mare’s milk), wool, felt for the ger dwelling, and fuel from dried dung.
The Mongolian Horse holds the highest cultural significance among the five, serving as a companion for transportation, herding, and sport. Mongol children are taught to ride at a very young age. The horse’s stamina and ability to forage beneath the snow made it an unparalleled war steed for historical figures like Genghis Khan. The mane of a stallion is traditionally left uncut, as it is believed to contain the animal’s spirit and strength.
A tradition of partnership exists among the Kazakh people in Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains: hunting with Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Known as berkutchi, this practice involves training a young eagle to hunt prey like foxes and hares during the winter months. The eagles are used for around 10 years before being released back into the wild, honoring the respect for the animal.
Protecting Mongolia’s Unique Fauna
Mongolia’s wildlife populations face growing challenges from human activity and environmental shifts. Climate change is driving increased desertification, while the growing numbers of domestic livestock create intense competition for pasture and water with wild ungulates. Poaching and the illegal trade of animal parts also threaten species like the Snow Leopard and the Siberian Ibex.
The establishment of large protected areas, such as the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, is a primary strategy for safeguarding these animals. The reintroduction of the Przewalski’s Horse is a success story, leading to a stable free-ranging population and a downgrading of the species’ extinction risk by the IUCN. This restoration demonstrates the positive impact of conservation efforts in a country where human and animal populations are intertwined.