Research

In the face of the critical situation of the Mongolian Wild Ass or Khulan in mongol which is presently highly threatened of extinction, and because very few research has been conducted on this sub-species, Goviin Khulan has as aim to conduct research in the south and south-east Gobi where the population of this sub-species is the most concentrated. Research will be conducted on the following topics:

.Behavioural ecology of the Mongolian Wild Ass in the south Gobi, especially its

 drinking behaviour, water sources used and importance of access to water for

 this sub-species. Indeed, access to water appears to be one key for the

 conservation of wild Equids, especially in such area where water is very rare and

 very scarce;

.Nature of interactions between Khulans, livestock, wildlife and human activities

 at water sources, but also in the surroundings;

.Nature of potential threats affecting its survival and importance of poaching of

 Khulans for meat in this area. We wish to increase knowledge on the existence of

 trafic of Khulan meat with Khulan’s meat sold between families living in

 landscapes but also sold in some parts of the chinese border. We also wish to

 increase knowledge on use of some Khulan’s organs in traditional medecine. We

 would like to create and implement an “anti-poaching group” that would involve

 local people and that would be manage by one or more rangers with who we

 will cooperate;

.Nature of interactions and conflicts between people and Khulans;

.Khulan impact on pastures;

.Moving of Khulans all over the year, actual Khulan habitat, and factors

 influencing Khulans movements;

.Feeding behavior of the Khulan;

.Water sources location and nature;

.Difficulties and needs of the local population, and their knowledge concerning the

 statut of the Khulan in Mongolia and in this area, its behaviour,  its relationship

 with livestock and humans, their knowledge about threats affecting the survival

 of the Khulan, how local people view the implementation of such project and

 management recommendations, ...;  

Information that will be obtained thanks to this research will permit us, in addition to other information obtained from other researchers, to define and implement optimal management recommendations to find a compromise between the long term survival of this sub-species and the attenuation of conflicts between Khulans and humans, with respect for the local breeding activities and by considering needs and difficulties of the local population.

Research will be conducted during the different periods of the year. If needed, other topics of research could be also added to this project in the futur.