DOCSLIB.ORG

Argali (Ovis Ammon) Conservation in Western Mongolia and the Altai-Sayan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Argali (Ovis Ammon) Conservation in Western Mongolia and the Altai-Sayan University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2003 Argali (Ovis ammon) conservation in western Mongolia and the Altai-Sayan Ryan L. Maroney The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Maroney, Ryan L., "Argali (Ovis ammon) conservation in western Mongolia and the Altai-Sayan" (2003). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 6497. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/6497 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Maureen and Mike MANSFIELD LIBRARY The University of Montana Permission is granted by the author to reproduce this material in its entirety, provided that this material is used for scholarly purposes and is properly cited in published works and reports. **Please check "Yes” or "No” and provide signature** Yes, I grant permission No, I do not grant permission Author’s Signature; Date: Any copying for commercial purposes or financial gain may be undertaken only with the author's explicit consent. 8/98 ARGALI ipvis ammon) CONSERVATION IN WESTERN MONGOLIA AND THE ALTAI SAYAN by Ryan L. Maroney B.A., New College, Sarasota, Florida, 1999 Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science The University of Montana 2003 Approved by Chairperson Dean, Graduate School Date UMI Number: EP37298 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMT UMI EP37298 Published by ProQuest LLC (2013). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code ProQuesf ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106 - 1346 Maroney, Ryan L., M.S., 2003 Resource Conservation ARGALI {Ovis ammon) CONSERVATION IN WESTERN MONGOLIA AND THE ALTAI-SAYAN Chairperson: Dr. Stephen Siebert Management of argali subspecies in Mongolia historically has been tied to improving biological research and anti-poaching activities within the framework of trophy hunting. Argali populations in areas where trophy hunting does not occur, such as protected areas, have received little attention, and conservation or management plans for these areas generally do not exist. Furthermore, diverse social and environmental conditions require bioregional and site-specifle conservation strategies within a national argali management plan. In this study, results from interviews with pastoralists in Siilkhemiin Nuruu National Park in western Mongolia indicate that local people revere argali and are generally aware of and support government protections, but may not be inclined to reduce herd sizes or discontinue grazing certain pastures for the benefit of wildlife without compensation. A preliminary survey of argali distribution in the park also identified key winter forage areas upon which to focus management efforts. Because past protectionist approaches to argali conservation in western Mongolia and the greater Altai-Sayan ecoregion have not achieved effective range management or anti-poaching enforcement, alternative management policies should be considered. Results from this study suggest local receptiveness to management programs based on community involvement and direct benefit. 11 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract.................................................................................................................................. ii Table of Contents.................................................................................................................. iii List of Tables......................................................................................................................... iv List of Illustrations ................................................................................................................ iv Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. v Preface.................................................................................................................................... vi 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 2. Background ..................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Altai argali ............................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Study area................................................................................................................ 7 3. Methods ........................................................................................................................... 13 3.1 Questionnaire survey........................................................... 13 3.2 Argali group composition counts ......................................................................... 14 4. Results and Discussion .................................................................................................. 15 4.1 Questionnaire survey.............................................................................................. 15 4.2 Argali group composition counts ............................................................... 21 4.3 Management implications for Siilkhemiin Nuruu National Park ..................... 23 4.4 Management implications for the Altai-Sayan ecoregion................................. 27 5. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 27 Epilogue .................................................................................................................................. 29 References.............................................................................................................................. 31 Appendix I. Questionnaire................................................................................................. 38 Appendix II. Mongolian translation of questionnaire ..................................................... 42 111 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1. Pastoralist’s knowledge and views concerning grazing competition between livestock and argali, environmental conservation, argali movement patterns and community networks in SNNP....................................................................... 16 2. Pastoralist’s responses to selected questions concerning argali conservation and grazingland use in SNNP ................................................................................ 16 3. Ranking of the number one and two most common groups to poach argali in SNNP as perceived by pastoralists........................................................................ 20 4. Ranking of threats to conservation of argali as perceived by pastoralists in SNNP.......................................................................................................................... 20 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure Page 1. Argali distribution in Mongolia and the Altai-Sayan ecoregion ........................ 3 2. Map of Siilkhemiin Nuruu National Park illustrating interview locations, predominate seasonal pasture usage of herders interviewed, and identified argali winter forage areas ....................................................................................... 8 3. Change in number and composition of livestock within administrative units that make up SSNP between 1982-2001.............................................................. 11 IV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr. S. Siebert and Dr. D. Bedunah for their continued support during development of this study, and for their insightful comments which have improved this manuscript. Special thanks to D. Davarkhbayar who assisted in project design and all phases of fieldwork. Additional thanks is required for valuable assistance from A. Atai, S. Cooper, R. Harris, W. Kruger, P. Maroney, M. Paltsyn, R. Reading, Tavarak, S. Undarga, and G. Wingard. This work would not have been possible without the continued field support and hospitality provided by park rangers K. Kadirkhan, P. Erzat, Erkin and their respective families. Finally, thanks to all staff members of the Mongol Altai Nuruu Special Protected Areas Administration. Errors in understanding or interpretation are solely my responsibility. Funding for this study came from the International Snow Leopard Trust, World Wide Fund for Nature Mongolia, and the United States Peace Corps. PREFACE Following the 1992 transition from a command to market economy, Mongolia plunged into an economic depression from which it has still not recovered. Over a third of Mongolians live in poverty and per capita income and GPD remain below 1990 levels (Finch, 2002).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Division of Law Enforcement
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Division of Law Enforcement Annual Report FY 2000 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with others, conserves, protects, and enhances fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. As part of this mission, the Service is responsible for enforcing U.S. and international laws, regulations, and treaties that protect wildlife resources. Cover photo by J & K Hollingsworth/USFWS I. Overview ..................................................................................................................1 Program Evolution and Priorities......................................................................2 Major Program Components ..............................................................................2 FY 2000 Investigations Statistical Summary (chart) ....................................3 FY 1999-2000 Wildlife Inspection Activity (chart) ..........................................6 Table of Laws Enforced ......................................................................................................7 Contents II. Organizational Structure ........................................................................................9 III. Regional Highlights ..............................................................................................14 Region One ..........................................................................................................14 Region Two ..........................................................................................................26
    [Show full text]
  • J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Be. Vol. 104(2), May-August, 200"
    - - 4;. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. be. Vol. 104(2), May-August, 200" POPULATION STATUS OF MONGOLIAN ARGALI OVIS AMMON FERENCE TO SUSTAINABLE USE MANAGEMENT Margaret Michael R. Frisina, Yondon Onon- and R. Frisina Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 104 (2), May-Aug 2007 140-144 POPULATION STATUS OF MONGOLIAN ARGALI OVIS AMMON WITH REFERENCE TO SUSTAINABLE USE MANAGEMENT1 MICHAELR. FRISINA',YONDON ON0N3 AND R. MARGARETFRISINA~ 'Accepted December 2005 'Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 1330 West Gold Street, Butte, MT 59701. Email: [email protected] "~nstitute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Email: [email protected] "Member, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, 1330 West Gold Street, Butte, MT 59701. Email: [email protected] Using repeatable protocols, a survey ofArgali sheep (Ovis nnimon) in Mongolia was conducted across their range during November 2002. A country-wide population of 20,226 was estimated. Approximately 7% of Mongolia's 34,873 sq. km Agali range was surveyed. This was Mongolia's first repeatable survey for monitoring purposes. Other population estimates have been made, but the survey protocols were not given, making them unrepeatable and unusable for monitoring population trend. Population trend was established for a number of specific survey sites by comparing data collected during this survey with those done earlier in which the protocols were described. Population levels in some areas were depressed while in other areas population trend was stable or increasing. If the Mongolian Government implements a country-wide and site-specific Argali sustainable use management plan, potentially between 202-404 trophy rams could be harvested annually.
    [Show full text]
  • Project Report 2010-2011
    FOOD HABITS AND OVERLAPS BETWEEN LIVESTOCK AND MONGOLIAN SAIGA PROJECT REPORT 2010-2011 Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar Gundensambuu Gunbat Correspondence: Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar. PhD Student, Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA [email protected] & Wildlife Conservation Society, Mongolia Program, “Internom” Bookstore 3rd Floor, Ulaanbaatar 211238, Mongolia Abstract The Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica) is listed as a critically endangered antelope in IUCN Red list and their conservation is urgently needed. Recent increases in livestock numbers have potentially reduced the capacity of habitats to sustain saiga because of forage or interference competition. We studied the potential for forage competition between saiga and domestic livestock in Shargyn Gobi, western Mongolia by quantifying diet overlaps using microscopic analysis of fecal samples. We collected 10 fecal samples from each of saiga, goat, sheep, horse, and camels in summer of 2011. We also established 105 plots at sightings of marked saiga antelope in June 2011 to determine vegetation community within saiga range. Each plot was subdivided into 5 adjacent 1 m2 square quadrats and the plants in them were surveyed. Onions or Allium appeared greater proportions in the diet composition of saiga, goat, and sheep. Diet composition of camels consisted mainly from shrubs, whereas Stipa was the dominantly found in the diet of horses. Among twenty-five plant species were recorded in the vegetation plots, Allium sp was the most frequently occurred species. The food habits of Mongolian saiga were quite similar to those of sheep and goats but were different from those of horses and camels. Our results suggest the saiga and sheep/goats would potentially be competitive on pasture as were suggested in similar study on Mongolian gazelle and argali sheep in Mongolia.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards Snow Leopard Prey Recovery: Understanding the Resource Use Strategies and Demographic Responses of Bharal Pseudois Nayaur to Livestock Grazing and Removal
    Towards snow leopard prey recovery: understanding the resource use strategies and demographic responses of bharal Pseudois nayaur to livestock grazing and removal Final project report submitted by Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore Post-graduate Program in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Wildlife Conservation Society –India program, Bangalore, India To Snow Leopard Conservation Grant Program January 2009 Towards snow leopard prey recovery: understanding the resource use strategies and demographic responses of bharal Pseudois nayaur to livestock grazing and removal. 1. Executive Summary: Decline of wild prey populations in the Himalayan region, largely due to competition with livestock, has been identified as one of the main threats to the snow leopard Uncia uncia. Studies show that bharal Pseudois nayaur diet is dominated by graminoids during summer, but the proportion of graminoids declines in winter. We explore the causes for the decline of graminoids from bharal winter diet and resulting implications for bharal conservation. We test the predictions generated by two alternative hypotheses, (H1) low graminoid availability caused by livestock grazing during winter causes bharal to include browse in their diet, and, (H2) bharal include browse, with relatively higher nutrition, to compensate for the poor quality of graminoids during winter. Graminoid availability was highest in areas without livestock grazing, followed by areas with moderate and intense livestock grazing. Graminoid quality in winter was relatively lower than that of browse, but the difference was not statistically significant. Bharal diet was dominated by graminoids in areas with highest graminoid availability. Graminoid contribution to bharal diet declined monotonically with a decline in graminoid availability.
    [Show full text]
  • REPORT on TRANSBOUNDARY CONSERVATION HOTSPOTS for the CENTRAL ASIAN MAMMALS INITIATIVE (Prepared by the Secretariat)
    CONVENTION ON UNEP/CMS/COP13/Inf.27 MIGRATORY 8 January 2020 SPECIES Original: English 13th MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES Gandhinagar, India, 17 - 22 February 2020 Agenda Item 26.3 REPORT ON TRANSBOUNDARY CONSERVATION HOTSPOTS FOR THE CENTRAL ASIAN MAMMALS INITIATIVE (Prepared by the Secretariat) Summary: This report was developed with funding from the Government of Switzerland within the frame of the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) (Doc. 26.3.5) to identify transboundary conservation hotspots and develop recommendations for their conservation. The report builds on existing projects, in particular, the CAMI Linear Infrastructure and Migration Atlas (see Inf.Doc.19) and focusses on the same species and geographical area. The study was discussed during the CAMI Range State Meeting held from 25-28 September 2019 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia where participants reviewed the pre-identified areas. Their comments are incorporated in this report. Participants also provided new information about important transboundary sites from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan and recommended to send the report for final review to Range States and experts. It was also recommended that the final report covers all CAMI species as adopted at COP13. This report is therefore a final draft with the last step to expand the geographical and species scope and finalize the report to be undertaken after COP13. Mapping Transboundary Conservation Hotspots for the Central Asian Mammals Initiative Photo credit: Viktor Lukarevsky Report – Draft 5 incorporating comments made during the CAMI Range States Meeting on 25-28 September 2019 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The report does not yet consider the Urial, Persian leopard and Gobi bear as CAMI species pending decision at the CMS COP13, as well as the proposed expansion of the geographic and species scope to include the entire CAMI region in this study.
    [Show full text]
  • Cic Pheonotype List Caprinae©
    v. 5.25.12 CIC PHEONOTYPE LIST CAPRINAE © ARGALI 1. Altai Argali Ovis ammon ammon (aka Altay Argali) 2. Khangai Argali Ovis ammon darwini (aka Hangai & Mid Altai Argali) 3. Gobi Argali Ovis ammon darwini 4. Northern Chinese Argali - extinct Ovis ammon jubata (aka Shansi & Jubata Argali) 5. Northern Tibetan Argali Ovis ammon hodgsonii (aka Gansu & Altun Shan Argali) 6. Tibetan Argali Ovis ammon hodgsonii (aka Himalaya Argali) 7. Kuruk Tagh Argali Ovis ammon adametzi (aka Kuruktag Argali) 8. Karaganda Argali Ovis ammon collium (aka Kazakhstan & Semipalatinsk Argali) 9. Sair Argali Ovis ammon sairensis 10. Dzungarian Argali Ovis ammon littledalei (aka Littledale’s Argali) 11. Tian Shan Argali Ovis ammon karelini (aka Karelini Argali) 12. Kyrgyz Argali Ovis ammon humei (aka Kashgarian & Hume’s Argali) 13. Pamir Argali Ovis ammon polii (aka Marco Polo Argali) 14. Kara Tau Argali Ovis ammon nigrimontana (aka Bukharan & Turkestan Argali) 15. Nura Tau Argali Ovis ammon severtzovi (aka Kyzyl Kum & Severtzov Argali) MOUFLON 16. Tyrrhenian Mouflon Ovis aries musimon (aka Sardinian & Corsican Mouflon) 17. Introd. European Mouflon Ovis aries musimon (aka European Mouflon) 18. Cyprus Mouflon Ovis aries ophion (aka Cyprian Mouflon) 19. Konya Mouflon Ovis gmelini anatolica (aka Anatolian & Turkish Mouflon) 20. Armenian Mouflon Ovis gmelini gmelinii (aka Transcaucasus or Asiatic Mouflon, regionally as Arak Sheep) 21. Esfahan Mouflon Ovis gmelini isphahanica (aka Isfahan Mouflon) 22. Larestan Mouflon Ovis gmelini laristanica (aka Laristan Mouflon) URIALS 23. Transcaspian Urial Ovis vignei arkal (Depending on locality aka Kopet Dagh, Ustyurt & Turkmen Urial) 24. Bukhara Urial Ovis vignei bocharensis 25. Afghan Urial Ovis vignei cycloceros 26.
    [Show full text]
  • Western Mongolia
    © Lonely Planet Publications 219 WESTERN MONGOLIA Western Mongolia With its raw deserts, glacier-wrapped mountains, shimmering salt lakes and hardy culture of nomads, falconry and cattle rustling, western Mongolia is a timeless place that fulfils many romantic notions of the classic ‘Central Asia’. Squeezed between Russia, Kazakhstan, China and the Mongol heartland, this region has been a historical transition zone of endless cultures, the legacy of which is a patchwork of peoples including ethnic Kazakhs, Dorvods, Khotons, Myangads and Khalkh Mongols. The Mongol Altai Nuruu forms the backbone of the region, a rugged mountain range that creates a natural border with both Russia and China. It contains many challenging and popular peaks for mountain climbers, some over 4000m, and is the source of fast-flowing rivers, most of which empty into desert lakes and saltpans. The region’s wild landscape and unique mix of cultures is known among adventure travel- lers and a small tourist infrastructure has been created to support them. Bayan-Ölgii leads the pack with its own clique of tour operators and drivers prepared to shuttle visitors to the mountains. But while aimag capitals are tepidly entering the 21st century, most of the region remains stuck in another age – infrastructure is poor and old-style communist think- ing is the norm among local officials. Despite the hardships, western Mongolia’s attractions, both natural and cultural, are well worth the effort. With time and flexibility, the region may well be the highlight of your trip. HIGHLIGHTS
    [Show full text]
  • Of the Chang Tang Wildlife Reserve in Tibet
    RANGELANDS 18(3), June 1996 91 Rangelands of the Chang Tang Wildlife Reserve in Tibet Daniel J. Millerand George B. Schaller eastern part of the cious steppes and mountains that Chang Tang Reserve sweep along northern Tibet for almost based on our research in 800 miles east to west. The chang the fall of 1993 and sum- tang, a vast and vigorous landscape mer of 1994. We also comparable in size to the Great Plains discuss conservation of North America, is one of the highest, issues facing the reserve most remote and least known range- and the implications lands of the world. The land is too cold these have for develop- and arid to support forests and agricul- ment, management and ture; vegetation is dominated by cold- conservation. desert grasslands,with a sparse cover of grasses, sedges, forbs and low shrubs. It is one of the world's last Descriptionand great wildernessareas. Location The Chang Tang Wildlife Reserve was established by the Tibetan Located in the north- Autonomous governmentin of the Region western part 1993 to protect Tibet's last, major Tibetan Autonomous wildlife populationsand the grasslands Region (see Map 1), the depend upon. In the wildernessof Reserve they Chang Tang the Chang Tang Reservelarge herdsof encompasses approxi- Tibetan antelope still follow ancient mately 110,000 square trails on their annual migrationroutes to A nomad bundled the wind while Tibetan lady up against miles, (an area about birthing grounds in the far north. Wild herding. of the size Arizona), yaks, exterminated in most of Tibet, and is the second in maintain their last stronghold in the he Chang Tang Wildlife Reserve, area in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • IUCN Briefing Paper
    BRIEFING PAPER September 2016 Contact information updated April 2019 Informing decisions on trophy hunting A Briefing Paper regarding issues to be taken into account when considering restriction of imports of hunting trophies For more information: SUMMARY Dilys Roe Trophy hunting is currently the subject of intense debate, with moves IUCN CEESP/SSC Sustainable Use at various levels to end or restrict it, including through increased bans and Livelihoods or restrictions on carriage or import of trophies. This paper seeks to inform SpecialistGroup these discussions. [email protected] Patricia Cremona IUCN Global Species (such as large antlers), and overlaps with widely practiced hunting for meat. Programme It is clear that there have been, and continue to be, cases of poorly conducted [email protected] and poorly regulated hunting. While “Cecil the Lion” is perhaps the most highly publicised controversial case, there are examples of weak governance, corruption, lack of transparency, excessive quotas, illegal hunting, poor monitoring and other problems in a number of countries. This poor practice requires urgent action and reform. However, legal, well regulated trophy Habitat loss and degradation is a primary hunting programmes can, and do, play driver of declines in populations an important role in delivering benefits of terrestrial species. Demographic change for both wildlife conservation and for and corresponding demands for land for the livelihoods and wellbeing of indigenous development are increasing in biodiversity- and local communities living with wildlife. rich parts of the globe, exacerbating this pressure on wildlife and making the need for viable conservation incentives more urgent. © James Warwick RECOMMENDATIONS and the rights and livelihoods of indigenous and local communities, IUCN calls on relevant decision- makers at all levels to ensure that any decisions that could restrict or end trophy hunting programmes: i.
    [Show full text]
  • Is Trophy Hunting of Bharal (Blue Sheep) and Himalayan Tahr Contributing to Their Conservation in Nepal?
    Published by Associazione Teriologica Italiana Volume 26 (2): 85–88, 2015 Hystrix, the Italian Journal of Mammalogy Available online at: http://www.italian-journal-of-mammalogy.it/article/view/11210/pdf doi:10.4404/hystrix-26.2-11210 Research Article Is trophy hunting of bharal (blue sheep) and Himalayan tahr contributing to their conservation in Nepal? Achyut Aryala,∗, Maheshwar Dhakalb, Saroj Panthic, Bhupendra Prasad Yadavb, Uttam Babu Shresthad, Roberta Bencinie, David Raubenheimerf, Weihong Jia aInstitute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand bDepartment of National Park and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal, Nepal cDistrict Forest Office, Darchula, Department of Forest, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal, Nepal dInstitute for Agriculture and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Australia eSchool of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia fThe Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Veterinary Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Keywords: Abstract Bharal Himalayan tahr Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR), the only hunting reserve in Nepal, is famous for trophy hunt- hunting ing of bharal or “blue sheep” (Pseudois nayaur) and Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus). conservation Although trophy hunting has been occurring in DHR since 1987, its ecological consequences are local community poorly known. We assessed the ecological consequences of bharal and Himalayan tahr hunting in revenue DHR, and estimated the economic contribution of hunting to the government and local communit- sex ratio population ies based on the revenue data. The bharal population increased significantly from 1990 to 2011, but the sex ratio became skewed from male-biased (129 Male:100 Female) in 1990 to female-biased (82 Male:100 Female) in 2011.
    [Show full text]
  • SILENT STEPPE II: Mongolia’S Wildlife Trade Crisis, Ten Years Later
    MONGOLIA SILENT STEPPE II: Mongolia’s Wildlife Trade Crisis, Ten Years Later MONGOLIA IRIM Independent Research Institute MONGOLIA SILENT STEPPE II: Mongolia’s Wildlife Trade Crisis, Ten Years Later MONGOLIA IRIM Independent Research Institute MONGOLIA SILENT STEPPE II: Mongolia’s Wildlife Trade Crisis, Ten Years Later September 2019 This study was prepared by The Zoological This report is a product of the staff of the Society of London (ZSL), Legal Atlas, and the Zoological Society of London, Legal Atlas, and Independent Research Institute of Mongolia IRIM, as well as the reviewers that provided (IRIM) with funding from the Illegal Wildlife valuable input to the final draft. In this regard, Trade Challenge Fund of Great Britain’s special thanks are due to Mr. Gombobaatar Department for Environment, Food and from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government is Resources, who provided a review of the committed to tackling illegal wildlife trade, a critical chapters. The report’s findings do not criminal industry worth more than £6 billion necessarily reflect the views of the Directors of each year threatening both wildlife and people. these entities or the government of Mongolia. The Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge No entity involved in this study guarantees the Fund provides financial support to practical accuracy of the data included. Likewise, the projects around the world which: boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work • develop sustainable livelihoods for do not imply any judgment on the part of communities affected by illegal wildlife any entity named herein concerning the legal trade status of any territory or the endorsement or • strengthen law enforcement and the role acceptance of such boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Influence of Trophy Harvest on the Population Age Structure of Argali Ovis Ammon in Mongolia
    Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 109(3), Sept-Dec 2012 173-176 INFLUENCE OF TROPHY HARVEST ON ARGALI POPULATION INFLUENCE OF TROPHY HARVEST ON THE POPULATION AGE STRUCTURE OF ARGALI OVIS AMMON IN MONGOLIA MICHAEL R. FRISINA1 AND R. MARGARET FRISINA2 1Montana State University Bozeman, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Bozeman, MT. 59717 USA. Email: [email protected] 2August L. Hormay Wildlands Institute, PO Box 4712, Butte, MT. 59701 USA. To assess the influence of trophy hunting on Mongolian Argali Ovis ammon, we compared the ages of trophy rams (n=64) taken through Mongolia’s legal hunting programme with those of mature rams that died of natural causes (n=116). A two-sample Kolomogorov-Smirnov test indicated that the distributions of the two groups were different (P=0.001). A two-sample t-test indicated the distributional differences were due, at least in part, to differences in the mean ages between the natural deaths and hunter harvested samples (P=0.001); the distributions were not centered at the same value or the means in the two populations differ. Application of the Central Limit Theorem affirms that the distribution of the sample mean ages for natural death and hunter harvested populations will be approximately normal, making the t-test applicable. The mean age for the natural death sample was 8.7 years (range: 7.0–13.0) compared to 9.4 (range: 7.0–13) for the hunter harvested sample. At the 95% confidence level, the true difference in ages between the trophy kills and natural deaths is between 3 months and 1 year.
    [Show full text]