The Eastern Mongolian Steppes form one of the last remaining temperate grassland ecosystems, stretching across vast open plains rich in biodiversity. Dominated by drought-resistant grasses such as feathergrass (Stipa spp.) and fescues (Festuca spp.), this landscape provides critical grazing grounds for native herbivores and livestock. These hardy grasses are well adapted to the region’s arid climate and harsh winters. Interspersed throughout are shrubs like Caragana and wormwood (Artemisia), which enhance plant diversity and serve as forage and shelter for various animals.
Faunal life on the steppes is equally remarkable. The Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa), one of the world's last great migrating ungulates, forms herds numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Predators like grey wolves and corsac foxes help maintain ecological balance, while the elusive Pallas’ cat and Siberian marmots add to the region’s mammalian diversity. The skies above are home to majestic raptors, including the steppe eagle and saker falcon—both globally vulnerable due to habitat loss and electrocution on power lines. The white-naped crane, a globally threatened species, nests in the wetlands and relies on the region’s fragile hydrology.
Aquatic life thrives in the region’s rivers and lakes. The taimen (Hucho taimen), the world’s largest trout species, is an apex predator known locally as the "river wolf." However, taimen populations are under pressure from overfishing and water pollution.
The steppes are not only ecologically significant but also support a traditional pastoralist culture. Nomadic herders have sustainably grazed these lands for centuries, forming a human-nature relationship rooted in respect and balance. However, increasing pressures such as overgrazing, mining, and climate change threaten the integrity of the ecosystem.
In response, conservation initiatives—led by organizations like WWF Mongolia and local governments—are promoting habitat protection, wildlife monitoring, and community-based resource management. Preserving the Eastern Mongolian Steppes is critical for safeguarding biodiversity, sustaining cultural heritage, and ensuring ecological resilience in the face of global change.Biodiversity and Conservation in the Eastern Mongolian Steppes
