On other fronts, our study on great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) diets went well, with over 100 regurgitated (and quite stinky) fish samples retrieved from the island. So far our results show that only about 10% of the colony’s diet is made up of whitefish – the species most valued by fishermen – suggesting that cormorants may be competing with humans far less than commonly believed. 

Meanwhile, Daurian pika are also making a comeback! After our monitoring documented an 80% drop in population size due to spring flooding in 2023, numbers have recovered substantially and pika are moving from the hills back into the flatlands where they once lived. 

Finally, our research on the culturally sacred, highly medicinal, and heavily poached vansemberuu plant suggests its life history may differ from what was previously believed. Local knowledge holds that juvenile basal plants take 4–7 years to mature, produce their beautiful flowering stalk, and then die. Yet after six years of monitoring tagged individuals, only one has flowered—and at least half of the juveniles have actually shrunk in size! These findings indicate the species may live much longer and take more time to reach maturity than assumed, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and protection.

This semester was also enhanced by our camp cooks, Deggi and Haasha, two local Mongolian college students who prepared meals while also learning English, collecting data, and sharing lots of laughter with the team. After spending many weeks backpacking with rangers, visiting their local summer camps, and conducting fieldwork, our final presentations to the local community were among our best, and concluded with a traditional Khorkhog feast and some high-stakes Russian waltzing and karaoke. We look forward to returning next summer for more adventures!