Setting expectations
Mongolia is large and thinly populated, and much of it is wild country. That sounds like an invitation to see a great deal of wildlife, but the reality is more modest. Many of the best-known animals are shy, live in remote terrain, or occur at low numbers. A typical trip may produce plenty of marmots, birds and livestock, a few gazelles or raptors, and perhaps nothing more dramatic. Treat anything beyond that as a bonus. This article gives a general picture by habitat; it does not promise sightings, and local conditions change.
Mountains and rocky country
Mountain regions such as the Altai and parts of the Gobi ranges hold some of Mongolia’s most celebrated animals.
- Snow leopard. An elusive big cat of the high mountains. Even specialists often fail to see one, and most visitors will not. The snow leopard is more a symbol of the mountains than a likely sighting.
- Argali and ibex. The argali is the world’s largest wild sheep, and the Siberian ibex is a sure-footed wild goat. They live on rocky slopes and are seen more often than the cat, though usually at a distance.
- Smaller mountain life. Pikas, voles, and birds such as choughs and griffon-type vultures may be noticed around rocks and ridges.
Forests and taiga
The northern forests and mountain forests hold animals familiar from Siberia.
- Large mammals. Elk, moose, roe deer, brown bear, wolf and lynx are all part of the fauna in suitable forest areas. They are typically shy, and sightings are uncommon.
- Smaller species. Sable, squirrels, chipmunks and a range of woodland birds live here. The sable was historically hunted for fur.
- Reindeer. In the far north, a small group of herders keep reindeer, whose way of life is a story of its own.
Walking quietly, early or late in the day, improves your chances, but hunting pressure, habitat change and the animals’ caution mean sightings remain uncertain.
The steppe
Open grassland often yields the easiest wildlife watching.
- Steppe marmots. The Siberian marmot, also called the tarbagan, is common and often seen sitting upright at the entrance to its burrow. It is an important prey species, and an animal that shapes the ground around it.
- Mongolian gazelle. Herds of these pale, fast antelope range across the eastern and central steppe, sometimes in very large groups on the move. The gazelle migration is one of the great wildlife sights, though where and when herds appear changes from year to year.
- Predators and scavengers. Wolves, red and corsac foxes and various birds of prey hunt across the plains. The relationship between wolves and herders is complicated, mixing respect, fear and real livestock losses.
- Takhi. The reintroduced wild horse, the takhi, lives in a few protected areas.
- Birds. Larks, wheatears, cranes, eagles, falcons and buzzards are widespread, depending on season and place.
Desert and desert-steppe
The Gobi Desert is harsh, but it supports specialized wildlife.
- Wild ass (khulan) and goitered gazelle. These are among the animals visitors may see in the south, though not reliably.
- Gobi bear. A very rare, little-seen bear of the southwestern desert. Few people ever encounter one, and it is better thought of as a conservation story than a sightseeing target.
- Wild Bactrian camel. A critically endangered species found in remote areas, not a typical sighting. Domestic camels are far easier to see.
- Reptiles and small mammals. Lizards, jerboas and other small desert animals are active mainly at dawn, dusk or night.
Lakes, rivers and wetlands
Lakes and marshes draw birds, including swans, geese, ducks, cranes, gulls and sometimes pelicans, mainly in the warmer months when many species breed or pass through on migration. Rivers hold fish such as the large taimen, whose conservation and ethical angling are a topic by themselves. Birdwatching seasons are an important consideration, since species change dramatically between spring, summer and fall.
Livestock as wildlife’s neighbors
Everywhere outside the strictest reserves, wild animals share space with domestic herds. This has benefits and costs: it keeps the land open and alive, but it also creates competition for grass and water, as well as some conflict with predators. Seeing a herd of horses or yaks does not mean you have seen wildlife, but it does help you understand why the wild animals behave as they do.
Improving your chances
- Go with a knowledgeable local guide who understands animal habits and local conditions.
- Choose the right place and time. Parks and reserves protect habitat, and the best time to visit varies by what you want to see.
- Use binoculars and be patient. Early morning and evening are normally best.
- Keep your distance. Never chase, feed or crowd wildlife, and keep dogs away. Following Leave No Trace principles protects the habitats you came to see.
- Be flexible. Weather, season and chance affect everything.
About hunting and protection
Some species are protected under national law, and others are subject to regulated hunting or traditional use. Rules change, and this guide does not give specifics. Respect local regulations, and do not buy products made from wild animals. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask park staff or a reliable guide first.