Publications

This second Silent Steppe report goes further than its predecessor in understanding IWT in Mongolia. It documents what has happened in the intervening years to species in trade, to the laws designed to address the problem, to the entities responsible for their implementation, and in the courts handling wildlife trade cases. Finally, it provides recommendations to bring illicit trade under control.

The Zoological Society of London’s Mongolia Representative Office, with support from the British Embassy, launched this app to help reduce and prevent illegal wildlife trade by assisting law enforcement and informing the public. It provides key data on 80 endangered species, including their habitats, legal status, and commonly traded parts, helping to prevent illegal purchases and support enforcement efforts. Collaboration is vital in expanding this initiative. At the moment the App is only available in Mongolian on the App Store for iPhone and iPad only.

We are pleased to share the key achievements and progress made by the ZSL team in Mongolia between 2018 and 2020, highlighting our efforts in wildlife and environmental conservation and in raising public awareness and understanding of these issues across the country.

This publication by the  ZSL explores how LPAs are expanding rapidly across Mongolia, covering 14% of the country’s land, and highlights the urgent need to improve their management and legal framework. Drawing from national and international practices, the report analyzes governance challenges, showcases a model developed in Khoid Mogoin Gol–Teel LPA in Arkhangai, and offers practical recommendations to strengthen policy and implementation. It provides valuable insight for decision-makers and conservation partners working to improve protected area systems in Mongolia.

Developed as part of our community engagement efforts, the Great Gobi Eco Club Handbook is a practical resource designed to support environmental education in local communities. It features science-based information on the flora, fauna, geography, and climate of the Great Gobi region and is used by Eco Clubs to raise awareness, strengthen local knowledge, and inspire conservation action among youth and herder families living near protected areas.

This report summarizes global best practices on involving local communities in efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and offers 47 practical recommendations tailored for local People's Representative Meetings and public police officers in Mongolia. Key findings emphasize the importance of national policy, community participation, law enforcement, and culturally adapted interventions that align with local livelihoods. Successful models are those that build trust, offer tangible benefits, ensure gender equity, and involve communities from the early planning stages through participatory approaches and localized solutions.

Independent Research Institute (IRIM) undertook an Endline Study of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) funded project “Conserving Forest Steppe Ecosystems and Endangered Species through Community- led Network” between January 15 and March 26, 2021.

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This handbook is designed to help raise public awareness about illegal wildlife trade, offering essential information to help individuals understand the risks, avoid unintentional legal violations, and foster a more positive and informed attitude toward wildlife and nature. It includes a summary of the current state of wildlife trade in Mongolia, outlines the roles and responsibilities of enforcement agencies, explains what actions are considered illegal, and provides information on hunting restrictions and protected species.

While 15.4% of the world’s land and 19% of its oceans are under protection, global conservation standards—developed by respected institutions like IUCN and recognized by the UN and CBD—have become the foundation for managing protected areas worldwide. Mongolia has adopted these standards through national planning guidelines issued in 2021. Building on this framework, ZSL Mongolia applied its field experience from the Khoid Mogoin Gol–Teel Local Protected Area to develop the Zarmangiin Kholoi Management Plan, aligning international best practices with local conservation action.

This study assessed the socio-economic conditions and conservation attitudes of herder households in five communities surrounding the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area Section A, using the Multidimensional Poverty Index. Findings revealed that 28.2% of households were classified as poor, with the most significant issues linked to water scarcity, sanitation, and housing quality. The study highlights the urgent need for greater community engagement, awareness-building, and improved resource access to strengthen conservation in the buffer zone.

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