RESEARCH

ARGALI CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN MONGOLIA

Richard P. Reading, Sukhiin Amgalanbaatar, and Ganchimeg Wingard

INTRODUCTION Mountains and the mountain massifs and rocky outcrops of the Gobi Desert in southern rgali are the largest mountain sheep in the Mongolia (Reading et al. 1998; Schaller 1998; Aworld, with some males in Mongolia Amgalanbaatar and Reading in press). A few weighing in at over 200 kg and sporting impres- apparently survive in the mountains near sive, spiraling horns that reach over 165 cm long Lake Khuvsgul in the north of the country. Two (Schaller 1977, 1998; Valdez 1982; Mallon et al. putative Mongolian subspecies are described in 1997). Argali have relatively long, thin legs and the literature, the Altai and Gobi argali, compact bodies, built for running speed. As such, although the requires clarification they prefer rolling hills, plateaus, and gentle (Tsalkin 1951; Dulamtseren 1970; Sopin 1982, slopes to rugged mountainous terrain (Schaller Zhirnov and Ilyinsky 1985; Geist 1991). The 1977; Amgalanbaatar and Reading 2000). northern and northwestern of these populations Argali inhabit the cold, arid grasslands of moun- are contiguous with Russian argali populations, tains, steppe-covered valleys, and areas with while the southern and southwestern popula- rocky outcrops in Central Asia, including por- tions are connected to populations in China tions of Mongolia (Shackleton 1997). Currently, (Mallon et al. 1997). their populations are patchily distributed in the Little is known about argali, although it is northwestern and western Altai Mountains, the clear that the species is declining and it is listed central Khangai Mountains, the Trans-Altai as threatened in Mongolia and internationally

25 THE OPEN COUNTRY № 3 (FALL 2001)

(Shiirevdamba et al. 1997, Amgalanbaatar and Mongolia’s transformation to a democracy and Reading 2000). Despite this, some researchers free market economy in the early 1990s led to suggest that argali are relatively widespread and several changes with ramifications to argali not threatened. These different opinions are (Bruun and Odgaard 1996; Reading et al. 1999a). based on population estimates that vary from As law enforcement became more and more lax, 10,000 to 50,000 (see review in poaching activity increased (Lushchekina 1994). Lushchekina 1994). More systematic, rigorous, Today, many local people readily admit to and comprehensive surveys for and ecological shooting argali for meat. In addition, livestock research on argali are clearly required. numbers increased dramatically following priva- Mongolia’s Argali Wildlife Research Center, tization of herds from 26 million head in 1992 to the Denver Zoological Foundation (DZF), and 33 million in 1998 (Amgalanbaatar and Reading the Mongolian Academy of Sciences (MAS) are 2000). As the nation’s human and livestock cooperating on several argali sheep (Ovis ammon) numbers increase, overgrazing and displacement conservation and research projects in Mongolia. by livestock reduces and degrades argali habitat We initiated research projects in an attempt to (Sheehy 1996; Biodiversity... 1996; Reading et al. better understand the species’ taxonomy, ecolo- 1999a). Solutions are difficult, as many nomadic gy, and population dynamics. The results of this herders live a marginal existence, barely able to work will hopefully enable us to better conserve feed and clothe their families. On a more posi- these magnificent animals. tive note, most Mongolians also want to conserve nature and wildlife, which they view as part of STATUS AND THREATS their cultural heritage (Myagmarsuren 2000). Trophy hunting of argali is a contentious Although argali appear to be declining, accu- issue both locally and internationally (Reading rate population estimates are difficult. Most et al. 1998, 1999a; Amgalanbaatar and Reading biologists agree that the species is experiencing 2000, in press). Most local people and many marked population declines and fragmentation international conservation organizations oppose (Mallon et al. 1997). As such, argali are listed as trophy hunting, expressing concern for the sta- “Threatened” in the Mongolian Red Book and tus of the species and disdain for rich foreign as “Rare” by the country’s newly enacted Law on hunters (Amgalanbaatar and Reading 2000). Fauna (Shiirevdamba et al. 1997). Both this law Despite the relatively small number of animals and the Law on Hunting permit argali hunting officially killed each year by trophy hunters pursuant to obtaining a permit from the Ministry (usually around 25, although the actual number of Nature and Environment (MNE). They are may be as much as twice that number), many also included on Appendix II of the Convention local people blame trophy hunters for argali on International Trade of Endangered Species declines. Fewer Mongolians (mostly in hunting (CITES); designated as “Threatened” on the guide companies) and foreign trophy hunters U.S. Endangered Species List; and listed as argue that trophy hunting may provide an “Vulnerable” on the 1996 IUCN Red List of important source of income for argali conserva- Threatened Animals (Nowak 1993; Baillie and tion, as well as local communities. Indeed, argali Groombridge 1996). are greatly sought by foreign trophy hunters, Argali population declines appear to be pri- who spent over US$20 million to harvest 1,630 marily a result of subsistence poaching (shooting rams in Mongolia from 1967 through 1989 animals illegally for food) and competition with (Lushchekina 1994). However, a tiny fraction of domestic livestock for forage and habitat (Mallon this money went to the local communities or et al. 1997; Reading et al. 1997, 1998, 1999a). the conservation and management of argali.

26 RESEARCH

Under the Mongolian Hunting Fee Law of programs (Amgalanbaatar and Reading in press). 1995, revenue generated from argali trophy Our colleagues and we have been fortunate hunting was divided among the federal govern- enough to work on a wide variety of argali eco- ment’s general funds (70%), the local Sum (or logical and conservation issues in Mongolia, county) government (20%), and the hunting including distribution, population dynamics, organization (10%) (Reading et al. 1999). Very behavior, social structure, genetics, the level of little, if any, of that money went directly to competition between argali and domestic sheep conservation and the government did not and goats, and protected area use (Reading et al. actively manage argali (Amgalanbaatar and 1997, 1999b; Tserenbaata et al. 2000). During Reading 2000). This situation may be changing, most of this work, we enlisted the help of several as a new Hunting Law was passed in 2000 with Mongolian Pedagogical University and Mon- stronger conservation and management provi- golian State University students, including sions and the new Minister of Nature and the Onon Yondon, Adya Yadamsuren, Naranbaatar, Environment appears ready to begin direct con- Z. Chinzorig, and Bat-Erdene. servation management activities. In addition, a There are no easy solutions to argali con- new law requires that 50% of all resource use servation in the face of increased grazing pres- fees be redirected to conservation. Directing sure, but the first step is to better understand the resources from trophy hunting to conservation situation. As such, we have initiated a research and management of the species seems to provide project to examine the extent of dietary overlap a win-win-win situation, as it would benefit between argali and livestock. This study is com- trophy hunters, the government of Mongolia paring feeding rates, vigilance, plants in fecal (through the revenue generated), and, most material, and other aspects of the feeding ecolo- importantly, argali and the ecosystems they gy of argali and domestic sheep and goats inhabit (Amgalanbaatar and Reading 2000). (although we may expand the study in the future Indeed, local hunting companies have recently to examine other species of livestock). The work expressed an interest to help support conserva- remains in its preliminary stages. In late 2000, tion activities. Only time will tell if these posi- we collected pilot data on argali diets and feeding tive words are translated into action. behavior, refining our techniques and developing data forms. Samples of argali and ibex fecal CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES material are being analyzed in U.S. labs. Of course, simply demonstrating dietary overlap Very few studies have researched argali in does not prove that competition exists. Hope- detail. As a result, the ecology, status, popula- fully, this study will be expanded in the future to tion dynamics and trends, and behavior of the more directly explore potential competition for species are poorly understood, and the species resources between domestic animals and argali. receives very little active management (Reading Our work on potential argali-livestock con- et al. 1998, 1999a). To help rectify this situa- flicts is important because limited grazing is per- tion, we are working with a number of other mitted in all Mongolian protected areas. As an organizations (German Technical Advisory extension of this work, we are therefore working Group [GTZ], University of Denver [DU], The with protected area managers, conservationists, Denver Museum of Nature and Science [DMNS], and local herders to zone protected areas and Nature Conservation International, the Wilds, devise management plans that are satisfactory to and the University of Montana) and individuals all stakeholders (Reading et al. 1999b, 1999c). to research argali biology and ecology, and Protected area zones are prescribed by Mon- develop active argali conservation management golian law (see Myagmarsuren 2000). We

27 THE OPEN COUNTRY № 3 (FALL 2001) worked within these legal parameters to develop Toward this end, we have conducted several and prioritize criteria for zoning (see Reading et ground and aerial surveys from 1991 to 1998 al. 1999c). Our first priority was to conserve the throughout the range of argali in Mongolia ecological integrity of the protected area, giving during the past 10 years (Amgalanbaatar 1993; special consideration to endangered, rare, and Reading et al. 1997, 1999b, and citations focal species. Our second priority was obtaining therein). Our most recent survey results (1995) local support, and our third priority was ensuring from the Altai Mountains yielded very small effective management. Argali, a threatened ani- sample sizes, despite substantial effort, making mal, was a focal species for mountain habitats. population estimates difficult. For example, in Another major study, being led by Tserenbataa late summer of 1995 we spent three months Tuya (MAS biologist and DU graduate student) conducting ground surveys in randomly selected and Dr. Rob Ramey (DMNS Curator and DZF survey blocks distributed in areas that had con- Research Associate), is investigating the conser- firmed sightings of argali in 1991–1992, but we vation genetics of argali sheep (Tserenbataa et only sighted 56 animals. These results suggest al. 2000). Two subspecies of argali sheep, Altai that argali populations are becoming increasingly and Gobi, are currently recognized; however, reduced, fragmented, and insular, especially in the subspecies question remains in dispute the Altai and Khangai Mountains (although we (Bannikov 1954; des Clers 1985; Davaa et al. have even less data from the latter region). 1983, Mallon et al. 1997). Our research is Better sample sizes in the early 1990s yielded a attempting to clarify these disagreements in population estimate of about 3,000 animals in Mongolia using studies of nuclear and mito- the Altai Mountains (Amgalanbaatar 1993 and chondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation. We are citations in Reading et al. 1997). The popu- collecting tissue samples from throughout most lation today is almost certainly lower than this of Mongolia. Thus far we have assessed the number. In the Gobi region, we have obtained mtDNA of 53 argali from 11 populations within better results using aerial and ground surveys. 3 major geographic areas. We identified 10 hap- Our estimate for this region is about 10,000 ani- lotypes (different genetic compositions), with mals (Reading et al. 1997). Although argali in the 2 most common found in all 3 geographic the Gobi appear to be faring better than in areas (Altai Mts., Khangai Mts., Gobi Desert) other regions of the country, populations there (Tserenbataa et al. 2000). These initial results are apparently declining as well. Therefore, we suggest that all argali in Mongolia may estimate the total population of argali in represent just one subspecies (i. e., Mongolia to comprise 12,000–15,000 sheep genetically similar sheep occur distributed widely, but patchily through throughout the areas we sampled the mountains and rocky out- and most variation occurs within crops of the country. rather than between putative sub- During the last few years, species). We are using additional genetic we have initiated more samples and techniques to permit us to detailed research in the further explore this question, and hope to southern and south- collaborate with other researchers to expand eastern Gobi Desert, the study beyond Mongolia’s borders. working to better Our other major research understand argali focuses primarily on argali population status, distribution, and dynamics general ecology. and ecology.

28 RESEARCH

We successfully immobilized and radio-collared years. Data from this study will hopefully yield what we believe is the first argali sheep, an 18- important information on argali movement and month-old ewe, in November of last year using dispersal patterns, population dynamics, home narcotics loaded in a dart gun and shot from the range sizes, habitat use, causes of mortality, and ground (Kenny et al. in press). We tracked her more. We are simultaneously conducting be- periodically until her death in February due to havioral studies using focal observations. extreme winter conditions (relatively deep snow In addition to our research, we have worked to and cold weather). We hope to collar several improve the conservation management of argali more argali this autumn to begin a radio tele- in Mongolia. We are working with country’s metry study of the species. We further hope to Protected Areas Bureau and GTZ to increase the expand the study to additional sites in subsequent number of protected areas that include argali

The current distribution of argali and the network of protected areas in Mongolia 90o 96o 102o 108o 114o 120o 52o

2 10 47 37 5 15 3 6 16 36 50 41 33 o 38 40 48 48o 13 34 39 49 54 32 1 42 44 48 Ulaanbaatar 18 20 43 52 R 9 24 31 17 25 26 12 28 19 22 8

46 53 35 21 23 29 56 4 44o o 51 44 27 45 7 55 30 0 250 500 kilometers 11 14

90o 96o 102o 108o 114o 120o Argali ranges (actual distributions are highly fragmented within these areas) Protected area network:

Natural and Historical Strictly Protected Areas Nature Reserves National Parks Monuments 1 – Khokh Serkhi 19 – Bulgan River 36 – Altai Tavan Bogd 50 – Develiin Aral 2 – Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain 20 – Mankhan 37 – Sielkhem Mountain 51 – Eej Khairkhan 3 – Turgen Mountain 21 – Alag Khairkhan 38 – Tsambagarav Mountain 52 – Bulgan Mountain 4 – Great Gobi B 22 – Sharga 39 – Khar-Us Nur 53 – Khuisiin Naiman Nuur 5 – Uvs Lake Basin 23 – Burkhan Buudai 40 – Khyargas Lake 54 – Uran-Togoo-Tulga Mountain 6 – Altan Els 24 – Khogno Khaan Uul 41 – Khan Khokhii Mountain 55 – Suikhent Uul 7 – Great Gobi A 25 – Batkhan 42 – Tarvagatai Mountain 56 – Ganga Lake 8 – Khasagt Kharkhan Mountain 26 – Khustain Nuruu 43 – Noyonkhangai 9 – Otgontenger Mountain 27 – Zagiin Us 44 – Khorgo-White Lake of Terkh 10 – Khoredal Saridag 28 – Nagalkhaan 45 – Gobi Gurvansaikhan 11 – Small Gobi A 29 – Ikh Nart 46 – Khangai Nuruu 12 – Bogdkhan Mountain 30 – Ergeliin Zoo 47 – Khuvsgul Lake 13 – Khan Khentii 31 – Khar Yamaat 48 – Gorkhi Terelj 14 – Small Gobi B 32 – Toson-Khulstai 49 – Onon-Balj Basin 15 – Mongol Daguur A 33 – Ugtam Mountain 16 – Mongol Daguur B 34 – Yakh Nuur 17 – Eastern Steppe 35 – Lkhachinvandad 18 – Nomrog

29 THE OPEN COUNTRY № 3 (FALL 2001) populations and, as discussed above, improve help officials better manage trophy hunting in the management of existing parks (Reading et Mongolia for the benefit of all interests and, al. 1999b, 1999c). Mongolia has expanded its most importantly, the argali themselves. We are protected area system greatly since the end of also investigating other options for revenue communism, from 11 protected areas covering generation, such as ecotourism. The reclusive 56,142 km2 (3.6% of the country) in 1991 to nature of argali currently renders them less than 48 areas comprising 56 units with a total of ideal candidates for a targeted ecotourist pro- 205,306 km2 (13.1% of the nation) in 2000 gram; however, more effective anti-poaching (Myagmarsuren 2000). Argali currently inhabit efforts would likely change this situation. or recently inhabited 20 protected areas covering 95,697 km2 in Mongolia (a considerable increase CONCLUSIONS from the 3 parks protecting 54,050 km2 within the range of argali in 1991). While the territory More active argali conservation and manage- protected is substantial, not all of it represents ment are necessary to halt and reverse the cur- argali habitat. In addition, most of these pro- rent population decline and fragmentation. tected areas suffer from poaching and overgrazing Without such action, Mongolia risks further (Amgalanbaatar and Reading 2000). More declines in argali numbers and distribution, active management of Mongolian protected including the imminent loss of several popula- areas is urgently needed, and we are working to tions. Perhaps the greatest challenges face argali facilitate this process. This will, among other populations in the Altai Mountains of western things, require additional training of park and Mongolia, which have already been greatly MNE staff. reduced and fragmented as a result of poaching Finally, we are striving to develop more pro- and apparent competition with domestic live- active conservation management for argali in stock for forage and habitat. We have been Mongolia. We have begun working more close- working on a number of projects to improve our ly with MNE officials, local hunting and non- understanding of the species and conservation profit organizations on trophy hunting issues. management. Results from this work will hope- We want to ensure that a substantial portion of fully help ensure the survival of argali and other future funds obtained from trophy hunting go to species that share their habitat. Our hope is that help conserve the species and support the rele- all future generations will be able to experience vant ecological studies (Amgalanbaatar and the joy we feel when we watch and hear the Reading 2000). Survey and research results will crack of horns as argali rams battle over females.

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References and conservation action plan for . Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. P.193–201. AMGALANBAATAR,S.1993. Argali population inventory and conservation measures in selected areas of Mongolia. MORITZ,C.1994. Defining “evolutionary significant units” Research Papers of the Forest and Hunting Institute of for conservation. TREE 9: 373–375. Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar (in Mongolian). MYAGMARSUREN,D.2000. Specially protected areas of AMGALANBAATAR, S., AND R. P.READING. 2000. Altai argali. Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar: Mongolian Environmental Protection In R. P. Reading and B. Miller, eds. Endangered animals: Agency and the German Technical Advisory Cooperation. conflicting issues. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. P.5–9. NOWAK,R.1993.Court upholds controls on imports of argali AMGALANBAATAR, S., AND R. P. READING. in press. Argali trophies.Endangered Species Technical Bulletin 18(4): 11–12. sheep conservation and research activities in Mongolia. In READING,R.P.,S.AMGALANBAATAR,H.MIX, AND Mongolia, biodiversity at a crossroads. Biodiversity Briefings. B. LHAGVASUREN. 1997. Argali Ovis ammon surveys in BAILLIE,J.,AND B. GROOMBRIDGE. 1996. 1996 IUCN Red List Mongolia’s South Gobi. Oryx 31: 285–294. of Threatened Animals. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. READING,R.P.,S.AMGALANBAATAR, AND H. MIX. 1998. BANNIKOV,A.G.1954. of the People’s Republic of Recent conservation activities for argali (Ovis ammon) in Mongolia. Moscow: USSR Academy of Sciences (in Russian). Mongolia, part 1. Caprinae (August): 1–3. Biodiversity conservation action plan for Mongolia. READING,R.P.,S.AMGALANBAATAR, AND H. MIX. 1999a. 1996.Ulaanbaatar: Ministry of Nature and Environment and Recent conservation activities for argali (Ovis ammon) in United Nations Development Programme’s Mongolia Mongolia, part 2. Caprinae (January): 1–4. Biodiversity Project. READING,R.P.,S.AMGALANBAATAR, AND L. LHAGVASUREN. BRUUN,O.,AND O. ODGAARD, EDS. 1996. Mongolia in transi- 1999b. Biological assessment of Three Beauties of the Gobi tion: old patterns, new challenges. Surrey, Great Britain: National Conservation Park, Mongolia. Biodiversity & Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, Curzon Press Ltd. Conservation 8: 1115–1137. DAVA A ,N.,KH.SUKHBAT,AND M.STUBBE. 1983.Contribution READING,R.P.,M.JOHNSTAD,S.AMGALANBAATAR, to the understanding of ecology and morphology of Ovis Z. BATJARGAL, AND H. MIX. 1999c. Expanding Mongolia’s ammon L., 1758 in the MPR. Erforschung Biologischer system of protected areas. Natural Areas Journal 19 (3): Ressourcen der Mongolischen Volksrepublik 3: 61–65 (in 211–222. German). SCHALLER,G.B.1977. Mountain monarchs: wild sheep and DES CLERS,B.1985. Conservation and utilization of the goats of the Himalaya. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Mongolian argali (Ovis ammon). International Foundation Press. for Conservation of Game. SCHALLER,G.B.1998. Wildlife of the Tibetan steppe. DULAMTSEREN,S.1970. Guidebook to the mammals of the Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Mongolian People’s Republic. Ulaanbaatar: Mongolian State SHACKLETON,D.,ED. 1997. Wild sheep and goats and their Publishing House (in Mongolian). relatives: Status survey and conservation action plan for GEIST, V. 1991. On taxonomy of giant sheep (Ovis ammon Caprinae. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. Linnaeus, 1766). Can. J. Zool. 69: 706–723. SHEEHY,D.P.1996. Sustainable livestock use of pastoral KENNY,D.,R.P.READING,S.AMGALANBAATAR, AND resources. In O. Bruun and O. Odgaard, eds. Mongolia in G. J. WINGARD. in press.The feasibility of immobilizing and transition: old patterns, new challenges. Surrey, Great Britain: radio-collaring free-ranging argali sheep (Ovis ammon). In Nordic Institute of Asian Studies,Curzon Press Ltd.P.42–64. Proceedings of the Western Regional Conference of the SHIIREVDAMBA,TS., O. SHAGDARSUREN,G.ERDENJAV, American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Bethesda, MD: TS.AMGALAN, AND TS.TSETSEGMA, EDS. 1997. Mongolian American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Red Book. Ulaanbaatar: Ministry of Nature and Environment LUSHCHEKINA,A.1994. The status of argali in Kirgizstan, (in Mongolian, with English summaries). Tadjikistan, and Mongolia. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Fish and SOPIN,L.V. 1982. On the interspecies structure of Pamir Wildlife Service. argali Ovis Ammon (Artiodactyla, ). Zoologicheskii MALLON,D.P.,S.DULAMTSEREN,A.BOLD,R.P.READING, Zhurnal 61 (12): 592–599 (in Russian). AND S.AMGALANBAATAR. 1997.Mongolia.In D.M.Shackleton, TSALKIN,V.I.1951.Wild mountain sheep of Europe and Asia. ed. Wild sheep and goats and their relatives: status survey Moscow: Moscow Society of Naturalists (in Russian).

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VALDEZ,R.1982. The wild sheep of the world. Mesa, NM: Richard P. Reading (corresponding author) is the Director of Wild Sheep and Goat International. Conservation Biology at the Denver Zoological Foundation (Colorado, USA), a member of the Argali ZHIRNOV,L.V.,AND V. O. I LYINSKY. 1985. The Great Gobi Wildlife Research Center (Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia),and Reserve — a refuge for rare animals of the central Asian an Assistant Research Professor at the University of deserts. Moscow: Center for International Projects. Denver (USA). Sukhiin Amgalanbaatar is the Director of the Argali Wildlife Research Center, a wildlife biologist in the Institute of Biology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and a research associate of the Denver Zoological Foundation. Ganchimeg J.Wingard is a graduate student at the University of Montana (USA), a research associate of the Denver Zoological Foundation, and a member of the Argali Wildlife Research Center.

Denver Zoological Foundation 2900 East 23rd Avenue Denver, CO 80205, USA Phone: (303) 376-4945 Fax: (303) 376-4901 E-mail: [email protected]

Argali drawings by Vladimir Smirin.

AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF MONGOLIAN GAZELLES

George B. Schaller

ne evening in 1998, biologist Badamjavin Interest in the gazelles drew me back in 1993 OLhagvasuren and I stood on the slope of a and 1994. Members of the Joint Soviet- hill. Below us spread thousands of Mongolian Mongolian Biological Expedition had studied gazelles or dzeren (Procapra gutturosa) all heading gazelles in the late 1970s and early 1980s west. As slanting rays of the sun touched their (Lushchekina et al. 1986; Sokolov and golden hides the animals were transformed into Lushchekina 1997). Their work and that of shining points of light on the darkening steppe. others, including my observations, made it clear We were witness to a magic spectacle, one of the that the gazelles migrated so widely that reserves last great migrations on earth. alone could not protect them. To save the herds When my wife and I first visited Mongolia’s on the open steppe upon which they depend, it eastern steppes in 1989 with Jachin Tserendeleg would be necessary to manage the whole land- of the Mongolian Association for Conservation scape, to make certain that development would of Nature and Environment, we saw several not degrade the grasslands. Oil development gazelle herds, but above all we were impressed had already begun, and a railroad was being by the steppe itself, the endless sea of grass, the planned eastward into China. More people, vast expanse of unspoiled habitat where one roads, fences and livestock might soon threaten could drive hundreds of kilometers without the free movements of gazelles unless an inno- encountering a fence or even a nomad’s yurt, or vative landscape management plan regulated ger as the Mongolians call it. heedless development. The Ulaanbaatar-Beijing

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