Mongolia

The Mongols have a fascinating history that stretches back to their possible ancestors, the Huns, who lived in Central Asia from the 3rd to the 1st century BC. It was in the early 13th century that the Mongolian state truly took shape under the leadership of Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan and his successors went on to establish a vast empire that encompassed China, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. After the collapse and fragmentation of the Mongol Empire, northern Mongolia came under the control of Qing China in 1691, and became independent in 1921. The country's geographical position on the borders of different zoogeographical regions, such as the Tibetan, Afghan-Turkish, Siberian, and North Chinese-Manchurian, has resulted in a fauna that combines species from each of these regions. The northern forests of Mongolia are home to various animals, including lynx, maral, Roe Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bears, wolverines, Wild Boars, squirrels, and sables. The steppes are inhabited by the Mongolian Gazelle and the marmot. The Altai Mountains provide a habitat for wild sheep known as argali and Snow Leopards.  In the semidesert and desert regions, rare sightings can be made around waterholes, including kulans, wild camels, and Gobi Bears. These species have adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment. One notable success story in Mongolian wildlife conservation is the reintroduction of the wild Przewalski's Horse, locally known as takhi. After becoming extinct in its former habitat, this horse species was reintroduced to Mongolia from European and North American stock. It serves as a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity.