Nearly two years have passed since the establishment of a special task force dedicated to implementing comprehensive conservation measures for the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai), an initiative spearheaded by the President of Mongolia. This task force includes representatives from the Office of the President, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area, along with leading scientists and researchers specializing in Mazaalai conservation.
This year, the task force has planned several key initiatives aimed at improving the survival conditions of the Mazaalai in its native desert habitat. Efforts are underway to enhance water availability by constructing engineered artificial ponds in the Gobi region while installing surveillance cameras to monitor the Mazaalai’s behavior and habitat use. Researchers are also analyzing the nutritional composition of the Mazaalai’s diet at the cellular level and working to improve the quality of supplementary feed. To gain more insight into the movement patterns and behavior of these rare bears, scientists will equip some individuals with GPS satellite collars. In addition, a study on external and internal parasites affecting the species is being conducted, alongside plans to implement artificial rainfall programs through cloud seeding over their habitat to increase precipitation and combat desertification.
As part of international collaboration, Mongolia is set to host the International Conference of the International Association for Bear Research and Management this year, bringing together global experts to discuss conservation strategies. Furthermore, a dedicated Mazaalai Research Center will be established to strengthen long-term scientific studies and conservation efforts. Mongolia continues to receive international support, with China providing grant-funded technical assistance for Mazaalai protection. Under this initiative, researchers conducted the most recent population survey in 2022, confirming that only 52 individuals remain in Mongolia’s Gobi region.
