Discover the Unspoiled Beauty

Snow Leopard

Panthera uncia

lives in the high mountains of western and southern Mongolia, especially in the Altai and Gobi-Altai ranges. It prefers rocky cliffs and steep terrain at elevations between 2,500 and 5,500 meters. The snow leopard feeds mainly on ibex, argali sheep, marmots, and smaller mammals. It is solitary and extremely elusive, rarely seen by humans. Its thick fur, wide paws, and long tail help it survive cold temperatures and deep snow. The snow leopard is listed as Vulnerable and is one of Mongolia’s most important flagship species for wildlife conservation.

Gray Wolf

Canis lupus

is widely distributed across Mongolia, from steppe and forest-steppe zones to deserts and mountain regions. Wolves are highly adaptable predators and usually live in packs with a clear social hierarchy. They prey on wild ungulates such as gazelles and deer, as well as livestock, which often leads to conflict with herders. Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling prey populations. Despite persecution, they remain relatively widespread in Mongolia.

Przewalski’s Horse

Equus ferus przewalskii

The Przewalski’s Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii), locally known as Takhi, is the only truly wild horse species in the world. It once became extinct in the wild but was successfully reintroduced to Mongolia, mainly in Hustai National Park and the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area. Takhi live in small family groups led by a dominant stallion. They feed on grasses and herbs and are well adapted to Mongolia’s extreme seasonal temperatures. Today, the species is endangered but recovering due to conservation efforts.

Saiga Antelope

Saiga tatarica mongolica

inhabits the dry steppe and semi-desert regions of western Mongolia. It is easily recognized by its large, flexible nose, which helps filter dust and warm cold air. Saiga antelopes migrate seasonally in large herds and feed on grasses and shrubs. The Mongolian subspecies is critically endangered due to disease outbreaks, poaching, and habitat fragmentation.

Gazelle

Procapra gutturosa

is one of the most abundant large mammals in Mongolia and inhabits the eastern steppe regions. These gazelles form massive migratory herds, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. They feed primarily on grasses and play a key role in steppe ecosystems. Although still numerous, their migration routes are threatened by fencing, roads, and mining activities.

Argali Sheep

Ovis ammon

is the largest wild sheep species in the world and lives in the mountainous regions of western, southern, and central Mongolia. Argali prefer open, rocky slopes and high elevations. They graze on grasses and herbs and rely on steep terrain to escape predators such as wolves and snow leopards. The species is endangered due to illegal hunting and competition with livestock.

Siberian Ibex

Capra sibirica

is commonly found in Mongolia’s rocky mountains and cliffs, especially in the Altai and Gobi-Altai regions. It is well adapted to steep, rugged terrain and feeds on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. Ibex live in separate male and female groups for most of the year. They are an important prey species for snow leopards and wolves.

Brown Bear

Ursus arctos

inhabits the forested regions of northern Mongolia, particularly the taiga. Brown bears are omnivorous, feeding on berries, roots, insects, fish, and occasionally mammals. They are mostly solitary and hibernate during the long winter. Although not common, they are an important indicator of healthy forest ecosystems.

Red Deer

Cervus elaphus

lives in forest and forest-steppe areas across northern and central Mongolia. It feeds on grasses, leaves, and bark and is most active during early morning and evening. During the autumn rutting season, males compete fiercely for females. Red deer populations have declined in some areas due to poaching and habitat loss.

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

is found throughout Mongolia, especially in mountainous and open steppe regions. It is a powerful predator with exceptional eyesight, hunting small mammals such as marmots, foxes, and hares. The golden eagle holds strong cultural significance in Mongolia, particularly among Kazakh eagle hunters in the west. It is currently considered stable but depends on healthy open landscapes for survival.