What are the iconic animals of Mongolia?
Mongolia's emblematic animals are the Przewalski's horse (Takhi), the Mongolian wolf, the Bactrian camel, the Argali sheep, and the long-tailed ground squirrel. These species have perfectly adapted to the extreme conditions of the Mongolian steppes.
Iconic large mammals
Przewalski's horse (Takhi) is a small but very robust wild horse, capable of withstanding extreme climatic conditions. Extinct in the 1960s due to intensive hunting, it was reintroduced thanks to conservation efforts and now has more than 2000 individuals.
The Mongolian wolf makes this country the world's second nation for its wolf population. An animal both revered and feared, it embodies power according to legends — Genghis Khan is said to descend from a wolf and a doe. Herders respect it because it naturally eliminates sick animals from the herd.
The Bactrian camel, endemic to the steppes of Central Asia, has two humps and withstands the extreme temperatures of the Gobi Desert. Nomads use it as a pack animal and exploit its milk, fur and meat.
Protected species of mountains and steppes
The Argali sheep is the largest wild sheep in the world. This protected species lives notably in the Ikh Nart reserve in Dornogovi province, as well as in Central Asia, China and the Himalayas.
The long-tailed souslik, a small rodent related to the marmot, inhabits northern Mongolia (Khangai, Khovgol, Khentii provinces) and the southwest (Altai Govi). It hibernates in winter and reappears in April.