Once extinct, but now returning home to the steppes of Central Asia, wild horses and wild asses. Alongside Mongolia and China and as part of the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (ADCI), the Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii) and the Asian wild ass (Equus hemionus hemionus) are to be reintroduced into the vast steppes of Central Kazakhstan. There are already 22 Przewalski’s wild horses and several dozen kulans living in Altyn Dala, the ‘golden steppe’. Just recently, the first two wild horse foals were born – a great joy for all the dedicated people behind the project.
A fully functional camp is essential for the reintroduction of wild animals in remote areas. The ITG is proud to be able to assist with the construction of the camp in Alibi and, in doing so, with the reintroduction of wild equids in Kazakhstan. With the help of the Fondation OptisomAs, the ITG was able to facilitate the construction of the new main building at the camp. During his visit to Alibi in August this year, ITG President Reini Schnidrig was able to see for himself how well the new building functions.
The ITG will continue to support the reintroduction of wild horses and wild asses in Kazakhstan. Discussions regarding a multi-year partnership are currently underway.
ITG was proud to participate in COP17 in Mongolia, contributing to important discussions on biodiversity, rangeland restoration, protected areas and transboundary wildlife conservation. The conference provided an important platform to bring together governments, international organisations, conservation partners, civil society and local communities — and to translate international commitments into concrete action on the ground.
Protecting Mongolia’s Gobi and Eastern Steppe
One of the highlights was our side event on “Protecting last remaining pristine desert and steppe ecosystems”, referring to Mongolia’s UNESCO World Natural Heritage nominations. The event brought together representatives of Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, civil society, local communities and conservation organisations. Discussions focused on the outstanding universal value and integrity of the proposed World Heritage sites, as well as their importance for Mongolia’s wildlife and ecosystems.
A particularly important outcome was the open discussion around concerns raised by civil society and local communities regarding mining licences within or near protected areas and nominated World Heritage sites, as well as the proposed Naran Sevstei transport corridor near the Great Gobi A Special Protected Area. The MECC publicly reaffirmed its commitment to taking these concerns seriously and to taking appropriate measures to protect ecosystems and the rights of local communities. Both the MECC and Mongolia’s National Commission for UNESCO also expressed strong support for the World Heritage nominations and their commitment to meeting UNESCO requirements and safeguarding the integrity of the nominated sites. Civil society and NGO representatives unanimously expressed their support for the preservation of these exceptional natural areas. Civil society and NGO representatives unanimously expressed their support for the preservation of these exceptional natural areas.
Advancing Transboundary Wildlife Conservation
Another significant development was Mongolia’s decision to initiate preparations for a ministerial meeting with China in Ulaanbaatar in 2027 to explore possible fields of cooperation for transboundary wildlife conservation in the Gobi. This step forward implements activity 22.1 of the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) Work Programme 2026-2032, adopted at the CMS COP earlier this year. The meeting will be organised by the CMS-CAMI Secretariat, with an organisational committee working under the leadership of the UN-CMS Secretariat. ITG will be part of the committee and, together with partners including WCS and WWF, is expected to contribute expertise and funding. Strengthening cooperation across borders is essential for the conservation of Central Asia’s migratory and wide-ranging mammals, whose habitats extend far beyond national boundaries.
A Holistic Approach to Rangeland Conservation
Weideland war ein weiteres wichtiges Rangelands were another important theme during COP17. As ITG President Reinhard Schnidrig emphasised, rangelands are shared landscapes where pastoralists, livestock and wildlife coexist. Their conservation therefore requires a holistic approach that recognises the connections between people, livestock, wildlife and ecosystems. ITG also stressed the importance of stronger synergies between the different international conventions and translating these commitments into rapid, tangible results for rangeland restoration.
From Commitments to Action
For ITG, COP17 was an opportunity not only to discuss conservation priorities, but to advance practical solutions and partnerships. From supporting Mongolia’s World Heritage ambitions and strengthening protection of the Gobi and Eastern Steppe, to improving conservation infrastructure and advancing transboundary cooperation, the outcomes of COP17 demonstrate the importance of collaboration at both national and international levels. We are grateful to our Mongolian and international partners, government representatives, civil society organisations and local communities for their engagement and commitment. Together, we can turn conservation commitments into lasting action for Mongolia’s ecosystems, wildlife and people.
Helping Rangers Protect the Last Wild Horses of Mongolia
The ranger team in Takhin Tal works every day to monitor not only the takhi but also many other iconic species of the Gobi, including khulan (Asiatic wild ass), argali wild sheep, wolves, gazelles, birds of prey, and numerous steppe birds. Together, these animals inhabit one of Central Asia’s last great wilderness landscapes.
The rangers patrol enormous areas under some of the world’s harshest conditions. In summer, temperatures soar. In winter, freezing winds sweep across the open plains. Despite these challenges, their work is essential for protecting wildlife, collecting scientific data, and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
Why Binoculars Matter
n the open Gobi landscape, wildlife is often several kilometres away. High-quality binoculars allow rangers to observe animals without disturbing them. They can monitor herd composition, assess health and behaviour, detect injuries or unusual movements, and identify changes that may require further investigation.
Accurate observations also contribute to long-term scientific monitoring and informed management of the protected area.
Unfortunately, many of the binoculars currently used by the ranger team are outdated or damaged. Replacing this essential equipment will directly strengthen their ability to protect the wildlife they watch over every day.
Support the Eyes Protecting the Wild
Every pair of binoculars becomes another set of eyes watching over one of the world’s most remarkable conservation successes.
By helping equip the rangers of Takhin Tal, you are supporting the continued protection of the last truly wild horses and the extraordinary wildlife of the Great Gobi. Please consider making a donation to help equip the Takhin Tal ranger team with essential observation equipment. Together, we can help keep watch over one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
As part of his master’s thesis, Tsogtdelger is researching bat biodiversity in the Dzungarian Gobi. He captures the animals gently, identifies the species, and records their echolocation calls using specialized acoustic equipment. This allows us to learn more about how many bat species inhabit this unique desert ecosystem and how they utilize their habitat.
Each observation and sound recording helps us better understand these remarkable nocturnal mammals and supports future conservation efforts.
Stay tuned as we continue exploring the hidden diversity of the Dzungarian Gobi, one bat call at a time.
On 5 May 2026, the ITG held its annual General Assembly of Members for the 2025 financial year, combined with the annual meeting of the ‘Friends of the Wild Horse’ support association. The ITG Executive Board reported on its activities and the use of funds over the past year. It also presented the planned activities and budget for the current year. Priorities for 2026 include organising the ITG workshop in Takhin Valley and attending the PHCA (Przewalski’s Horse Conservation Alliance) meeting in Khomyn Valley, as well as supporting the IUCN expert visit to conduct a technical review of the application for the inclusion of the Mongolian Gobi on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The meeting was rounded off with a presentation by Fay Goedbloed on the topic of ‘Pature management in the Greater Gobi’.
In the first days of May the UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden and the German Ambassador Helmut Kulitz visited Great Gobi B with us. Together we discussed wildlife conservation and the upcoming desertification COP17, taking place in Mongolia. The trip was deeply inspiring and we hope to see you again.
According to the Chinese zodiac, the rare, auspicious and energetic Year of the Fire Horse has been underway since 17 February 2026 – the first time since 1966. It was then that the wild, ancient horse became extinct. Sixty years later, this species – which narrowly escaped extinction – is once again roaming the wild steppes. What a sight!
A good reason to once again focus primarily on the takhi, the flagship species of the Great Gobi B, in the latest issue of the Takhi-Post. Even after 34 years of project work, there is still much to be done, and the tasks and challenges remain manifold. The biodiversity in the protected area never ceases to amaze us: did you know that not only Przewalski’s horses but also Przewalski’s lizards live there? And that it was only recently discovered? Find out more in the species profile.
We hope you enjoy reading it.
Thank you very much for your loyal support and for sharing our passion for the takhi and its unique habitat.
Exciting news from the Great Gobi “B” Strictly Protected Area: the first Przewalski’s horse foal of 2026 has been observed in the wild.
During a unified monitoring effort on April 16, Ranger Ragchaa Oktyabri from Tonkhil soum in Govi-Altai aimag spotted the young foal near the Goviin Elsen Tolgoi area. The foal is estimated to be just 3–4 days old, marking an encouraging start to this year’s breeding season. The small group consisted of a stallion and a mare with her newborn. Upon noticing the ranger, the horses quickly moved off toward Khonin Us, an expected reaction. Mares with newborn foals are naturally highly alert and sensitive, a vital instinct that helps ensure the survival of their young in the wild.
This early sighting is a positive sign for the continued conservation of Przewalski’s horses and highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring efforts in protecting this unique and endangered species.
Our Project Lead, Buyantogtokh Dorjbat, attended the Camel Festival in Gobi-Altai Province, bringing together camel herders from all 18 soums. The festival aimed to support the development of camel farming, encourage knowledge and experience sharing among herders, and celebrate Mongolia’s rich heritage and culture.
During the event, Buyantogtokh also promoted our camel wool products, sourced from the Khuvchiin Tsagaan Sort Herders’ Cooperative in the south-western Mongolian Gobi Desert. From the heart of the Gobi to your hands, every thread carries a story.
We’re excited to share a new Storymap showcasing the highlights from last year’s camera trapping efforts across the Gobi ecosystem. This interactive story brings together some of the most compelling moments captured by our camera traps, offering a window into the lives of the remarkable species that call the Gobi home. From elusive wildlife to everyday behaviors rarely seen, these images and maps reflect the dedication, teamwork, and persistence behind every field deployment.
We hope you enjoy exploring the Storymap and that it serves as a reminder of the impact of your donations and continued support. Your contributions play a vital role in protecting this extraordinary ecosystem and its inhabitants and in deepening our understanding of one of the world’s most unique landscapes.
Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping keep the Gobi wild.
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