Observed and predicted seasonal temperatures in northwest Mongolia
Herders note that autumn seems colder and longer. The winters are generally colder and have more snow, though 2011 had little snow compared to other years. Herders were not concerned about dzuds, or extreme winter weather conditions, as reindeer are well adapted to cold winds and deep snow. The herders sometimes experience frozen pastures (as in August 2009).
24 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal.
Climate change in Mongolia
Herders from both the East and the West Taiga are concerned about the environmental changes that are taking place in their homeland. They report that snow seems to take longer to melt during springtime. Summers seem shorter and hotter, making it more challenging for the reindeer that prefer cooler temperatures. Patches of snow and ice that used to last through summer are now disappearing in mid-July.
24 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal
Reindeer husbandry and political changes in Mongolia – A short history
Despite the changing political landscape of Mongolia over the last hundred years, the traditional reindeer herding system has been maintained. Nevertheless, recent political and economic transitions and upheavals have altered the Dukha community’s way of life and relationship with their natural environment and the herders now face an uncertain future.
23 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal
Semi-domesticated reindeer across Eurasia
Pastoralism, or extensive grazing on rangelands for livestock production, is a key production system of the world’s dryland areas. It provides a livelihood for between 100 and 200 million people (CBD Secretariat 2010), supplies 10% of the world’s meat production through approximately one billion heads of livestock, and makes a significant economic contribution to some of the world’s poorest regions (FAO 2001; WISP 2010).
24 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal
Mongolia
Mongolia geopolitical map
24 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal
Reindeer herding camps in the East Taiga A snapshot from 2011
Guided tours to the reindeer herders are an established tourist attraction promoted by national and international tourism companies. In the West Taiga, tourists stay in tourist camps established beside the Shishged River, outside the summer pasture area. Herders from Camp 1 in the East Taiga prefer pastures close to the sum centre from May to September so that their camps are easily accessible to tourists.
24 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal
Biomes and vegetation of Hovsgol aimag
Mongolia’s taiga is located at the southern edge of the biome in Eurasia. It is also the most southerly location of reindeer husbandry in the world. Mongolian reindeer husbandry occurs within the Shishged River watershed of the Altai-Sayan, the largest mountain range in southern Siberia. Straddling the Republic of Tuva on the Russian/Mongolian border, it is recognized as an area of global importance for terrestrial biodiversity.
23 Mar 2012 – by Riccardo Pravettoni, GRID-Arendal
