MNT 3.9 billion spent for gobi animals of Mongolia

Environment
anudari@montsame.gov.mn
2019-10-10 15:54:05

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ An event ‘Great Gobi 6’ annually takes place at the initiative of the WWF Mongolia to protect gobi wild animals of Mongolia, wild bactrian camel, gobi bear, takhi or wild horse, khulan or wild Ass, and saiga antelope, and goitered gazelle (Great Gobi 6) and their home - the Gobi ecosystems as well as to broadly involve governmental and non-governmental organizations and the local communities in the conservation activities.


This year’s event was held at the Hustai National Park on October 7-8, giving information on the origins and populations of the Great Gobi 6, most recent and remarkable actions being taken to conserve the species, and barriers in doing so. Spending on the protection of GG6 has increased to MNT 3.95 billion this year while it was MNT 2 billion last year. The money was spent on numerous activities for the enhancement of wildlife habitat such as creating wells and waterholes for the animals, fencing springheads, and so on.


Some measures were also taken to combat illegal hunting and improve law enforcement. In particular, sub councils in charge of preventing environmental crimes were set up in Gobi-Altai and Khovd aimags and the cabinet made a decision to establish an Environmental Police Department which will be launched in 2020.


Even though certain progress has been made in protecting the animals, there are still many pressing issues. Especially, the stakeholders need to pay attention to protection of the saiga antelope in Mongolia, whose population decreased to around 3800 according to a census in December, 2018 due to diseases and hunger caused by drought and harsh winter. One of many crucial actions should be taken on the conservation of saiga antelope is relocation. Despite of financial shortage, a study to find suitable reintroduction areas is being conducted until 2020 .


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