5. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Habitat and climate
Around 30 bears survive in 15,000 km2 , a Carrying
Capacity of about 1 bear 500km-2 (poor food)
Extremes of dry hot summers and very cold dry winters
Desertification accelerating in the area
7. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Conservation so far
1976 Great Gobi National
Park - Bears range entirely
encompassed Mongolia
Designated “Strictly Protected
Area” Gobi Bear
area
Great Gobi
National Park
Little enforcement of
protection
9. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Economic question
Collapse of Mongolian economy
following end of communism
Third of human population at
starvation levels (UNDP)
Reverse in urbanisation has led to
overgrazing in some areas
10. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Economic question
National environmental protection
budget slashed
Dependence on outside support
International agencies have shifted
focus to “world hotspots” eg
Rainforests - a not every species
can be saved approach
11. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Threats
To varying extents:
Disturbance by livestock
Accidental trapping
Habitat destruction and http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/mongolia/en/Home/
Development_Cooperation/Livestock_Project_Mongolia
desertification