Menu
Menu
Round River Conservation Studies launched its Mongolia program in 2018 with guidance from the Local Advisory Board and the Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Area Administration (UTSPAA). Situated in northern Mongolia, this remote region includes the Tengis-Shishged National Park and Ulaan Taiga and Horidol Saridag Strictly Protected Areas, collectively spanning over 1.5 million hectares of high-elevation taiga. Given the area’s isolation, many species, including wolves, lynx, bears, and the culturally significant vansemberuu, lack comprehensive population data. Round River collaborates with the Darhad community and UTSPAA to support sustainable land management and to conserve the Darhad Valley’s biocultural diversity.
Our work in Mongolia includes projects that combine scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge to address local conservation needs. We study climate impacts on the Daurian pika (Ochotona dauurica), monitor culturally significant plant species, and research waterfowl diets and large mammal populations. Additionally, we conduct critical research on the Siberian taimen (Hucho taimen) to inform its conservation. Through these efforts, we aim to protect Mongolia’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage while empowering local communities to shape the future of their landscape.
Our work currently focuses on supporting Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Area (UTSPA) rangers with wildlife monitoring via extensive camera trap grids, and surveying for red-listed insect species and high-altitude at-risk medicinal plants.
Our closest partner in this region is the Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Areas Administration (UTSPAA).
Round River Conservation Studies launched its Mongolia program in 2018 with guidance from the Local Advisory Board and the Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Area Administration (UTSPAA). Situated in northern Mongolia, this remote region includes the Tengis-Shishged National Park and Ulaan Taiga and Horidol Saridag Strictly Protected Areas, collectively spanning over 1.5 million hectares of high-elevation taiga. Given the area’s isolation, many species, including wolves, lynx, bears, and the culturally significant vansemberuu, lack comprehensive population data. Round River collaborates with the Darhad community and UTSPAA to support sustainable land management and to conserve the Darhad Valley’s biocultural diversity.
Our work in Mongolia includes projects that combine scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge to address local conservation needs. We study climate impacts on the Daurian pika (Ochotona dauurica), monitor culturally significant plant species, and research waterfowl diets and large mammal populations. Additionally, we conduct critical research on the Siberian taimen (Hucho taimen) to inform its conservation. Through these efforts, we aim to protect Mongolia’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage while empowering local communities to shape the future of their landscape.
Our work currently focuses on supporting Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Area (UTSPA) rangers with wildlife monitoring via extensive camera trap grids, and surveying for red-listed insect species and high-altitude at-risk medicinal plants.
Our closest partner in this region is the Ulaan Taiga Special Protected Areas Administration (UTSPAA).
Through our Daurian pika pasture project, initiated in 2019, we have been collecting data on pasture quality and the effects of climate change on the pika population of the Darhad Valley. We have selected 84 random points throughout the valley bottom to serve as permanent monitoring plots for this and other Round River and UTSPA research.
In 2018, we started with an initial inventory of the Darhad Valley plants, and this study evolved into a bioculturally significant species study. Currently, we are continuing the snow lotus/vansemberuu (Saussurea dorogostaskii) study for the third season using both Western Scientific and Traditional Ecological knowledge systems.
Darhad Valley is home to over 300 lakes, and in 2018, upon the request of the locals, we started a study of waterfowl living in these lakes. We are currently focusing this research on the diets of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo).
In 2018, we initiated a project to monitor the large mammal population of the keystone species in UTSPA’s Horidol Mountain region using camera trap grids. We are particularly interested in populations and distribution of brown bear, roe deer, musk deer, wild boar, wild sheep, ibex, snow leopard, moose, wolf, and wolverine.
Our newest research focus is the Freshwater Salmon, also known as the Siberian taimen (Hucho taimen). We have been asked to conduct a detailed study of the population dynamics of this species, as habitat conservation is an essential issue for local communities and the UTSPAA.
Our 6-week summer and 12-week Fall semester programs in the Darhad Valley center on wildlife monitoring. Students assist with multi-species carnivore monitoring in the Darhad Valley, studying fire dynamics, high-elevation wetlands, grazing impacts, permafrost distribution, and river systems. Student field crews conduct research on breeding and migratory birds, steppe and talus-dwelling pikas, large mammals, and culturally significant medicinal plants, while exploring ways to incorporate local communities and community needs into park management.
Our 6-week summer and 12-week fall semester programs in the Darhad Valley center on wildlife monitoring. Students assist with multi-species carnivore monitoring in the Darhad Valley, studying fire dynamics, high-elevation wetlands, grazing impacts, permafrost distribution, and river systems. Student field crews conduct research on breeding and migratory birds, steppe and talus-dwelling pikas, large mammals, and culturally significant medicinal plants, while exploring ways to incorporate local communities and community needs into park management.
Mongolia Program Director
Maggie Triska
Conservation Director
