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Forests, which occupy 18921.8 thousand hectares or only 8.1 percent of the whole territory of Mongolia, are situated along the watershed of the three big basins. The forest is very important, and rich in natural and ecological wealth, which keeps the rivers' water resources, protects soil from erosion, softens the climate, absorbs greenhouse gas, establishes a favourable living environment for animals, plant and microorganisms, and holds down the permafrost. The forest reserve is made up of about 140 varieties of trees and shrubs. Coniferous and broad-leaved forests occupy 84 percent of the forest reserve, and Haloxylon Ammodendron accounts for 16 percent. Coniferous and broad-leaved forests make up 10465.3 thousand hectares and Haloxylon Ammodendron are in 2040.9 thousand hectares of woodland.

 

Larch accounts for 58.8 per cent. Cembrapine 5.2 per cent, birch 8.8 per cent, pine 7.7 per cent and Haloxylon 16 per cent of all woods. Spruce, fir, poplar, aspen and willow grow on a small scale. Mongolian forests grow in an extreme climate. The woods are very susceptible to fire, harmful insects and the influences of adverse human activity. Forest fires have burnt about 70 percent of the famous Tujiin nars (Pine forest) in the territory of Selenge aimag since 1996. A reforestation campaign was started in 2002, and the Mongolian government pays for the protection of Tujiin nars. In 2002 pine trees were replanted in over 900 hectares of the area and 85 per cent of these were able to grow. Mongolia will replant 150 hectares of pine trees in 2004, and 200 hectares in 2005.

Mongolian vegetation show characteristics developed over time due to regional conditions, environment and climate. Mongolia is the site of convergence and co-existence of flora which originates both from the Great Siberian Taiga and the Central Asian Steppe  and Desert. In addition to this Mongolian flora has gained plant species from China in the east and from the Kazakhstan Turan area in the west. The gradual transition from the High Mountain Taiga through to the mountain forest  steppe  and  flat  grassy plains on to the semi-desert and true desert areas, represent the features of the World's three basic types of vegetation regions. This variety is reflected in the  change of precipitation and distribution of plants starting from the foot hills  to the top of the mountain ranges in vertical belts. There are 845 species of medicinal plants, over 1,000 species of fodder plants, 173 species of food plants, 64 species of technical plants, 489 species of ornamental plants and 195 species of all kinds of significant plants in Mongolia.

At present, out of seeding varieties of plants in Mongolia, 2095 species are herbaceous plants and 348 species are woody and shrubby plants. From the woody and shrubby plant varieties, 17 species are big trees, 40 species are short trees and shrub, 146 species of shrub, 48 species of sub-shrubs, 91 species of partial sub-shrubs, 6 species of fodder and herbaceous, 1765 species of longevity plant, 330 species of one and two age vascular plant, 21 families of flat moss, 38 families of leafy moss, 53 families of lichen, 1236 species and sub-species of algae and 900 species of mushroom were registered. There are relics from prehistoric deserts, forests, tertiary lakes, savannahs and the Ice Age. Many plant relics are native to Mongolia. There are about 150 endemic vascular and lower plants such as Stipa mongolorum, Adonis mongolica, Betula mongolica, Atraphaxis bracteata, Calligonum gobicum, Nanophyton mongolicum, Gymnocarpus przewalskii, Silene mongolica, Potaninia mongolica, Chesneya mongolica, Astragalus gobicus, Oxytropis ulzii-chutagii and Armisia gobica. The Khangai, Gobi-Altai   and  Mongolian  Altai regions are the most abundant regions, species wise.

 

86 plant species were registered as endangered and threatened in the first edition of the Mongolian Red Book, in the second edition (1997), the number was already 128. This group includes 75 medicinal species, 11 for food, 16 species used in industry, 55 decorative species and 15 species used in the soil fixing process and in controlling pests. This group includes Nitraria sibirica , Amygdalus mongolica, Populus diversifolia, Caragana bungei, Artemisia caespitosa, Sophora alopecuroides, Allium altaicum, Adonis mongolica, Saussurea    involucrate, Agriophyllum pungens, elaeagnes moorcroftii, Aves sibirica, Gemnocvarpus przewalskii, Rodiola rosea, Allium oliquum etc. Parliament passed a Law on the International Trading of Animal and Plants, and related items last year. The law is in line with its membership of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

 

Failing to meet convention standards would have resulted in an embargo on the country's exports and imports as well as financial assistance and support by other member countries. The convention was approved in 1975 with aims to protect and regulate the use of animals and plants. Mongolia joined the convention in 1996 and earns Tg 1.5 billion from the international trading of endangered species of native flora and fauna. Mongolia has 14 kinds of mammals, 71 birds, eight plants and two fish on the convention's protected list. Among the animals prohibited from commercial sale are the Takhi, Mazaalai (Gobi bear), snow leopard, ass, Siberian crane, White-Naped crane, Dalmatian pelican, Macqueen's or Houbara Bustard, Relict gull, Japanese crane and the oriental white Mongolian stork. However the Grey wolf, lynx, musk deer, Argali, Saker falcon, Apollo butterfly, European wild cat, Eurasian otter, elk, moose, Tatar sand boa, Siberian sturgeon, Amur Sturgeon can be traded with permission from CITES. A Coordination Council set up by the Environmental Ministry regulates trading permissions.
 

As part of the Eastern Mongolian biological variety project, geographical and steppe surveys were carried out in areas along the basin of the rivers Kherlen, Khalkh and Numrog. Observations made from the survey results shows that four species of amphibians were registered in Eastern Mongolia. In Mongolia 2 orders, 4 families, 4 genus of 6 species of amphibians as well as 2 orders, 6 families and 14 genus of 22 species of reptiles are registered. All together, there are 28 poikilotherm species.

• Two species of the Eastern Mongolian, the gerpetofoun, in particular the hynobius and the eastern frog, were included in the Mongolian Red Book.
• Amphibians and reptiles are being protected in the special protected areas. The numerical change of amphibians and reptiles caused by such factors as climate and birds of prey, parasite disease and human activity is being recorded..

Animals adapted to all kings of ecosystems such as forest, steppe, desert, alpine, tundra, talus, and water surrounding grove, have established themselves in Mongolia. Many animals, which are frequently spread throughout the Siberian taiga, European-type forests, western Asia and Turan desert, are included in the aforementioned animals. As well as these, there are many endemic species, which are found only in deserts and steppes of Central and Eastern Asia. Mongolia has extinct animals and takes a leading place in the world by its more precious finds of fossils and pre-historic bones. A total of 138 species of mammals, 449 species of birds, 75 species offish, 6 species of amphibians and 22 species of reptiles have been registered on the animal kingdom list of Mongolia. Besides these, there are more than 13,000 species of  invertebrates, including 516 species of insects, worms, fresh water and terrestrial molluscs etc., in Mongolia.

 

Of the above mentioned animals 24 mammals are basic hunting animals, 32 hunted by just a few and 4 are not to be hunted. A total of 30 species and sub-species mammals are listed in the rare and very rare classifications of the Mongolian Red Book, which was revised in 1997. Distribution areas of the Gobi bear (Ursus pruinosis), wild camel (Camalus  bactrianus), Equus przewalskii, Elk, Scrofa nigripes and Asian beaver have been given state special protection. Also over 70 percent of distribution areas of snow-leopard, Equus hemionus, river otter, haze musk deer, Ovis amman and Capra Sibrica have been involved in the State Special Protection area's network. Works of newly acclimatising and re-acclimatising valuable hunting animals like the muskrat, stoat, raccoon dog, procapra fulturosa, moschus moschiferus, wild horse, Asian beaver and capra sibrica is being carried out in the country.

The Takhi are the last remaining wild horses worldwide. It is also known as the Przewalski horse (named after the Russian explorer who first discovered the horse in 1878 in Mongolia) is probably the most recognised and successful symbol of the preservation and protection of Mongolia's diverse and unique wildlife. The last wild Mongolian Takhi was spotted in the western Gobi in 1966. However, the Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment and the Dutch Foundation Reserve of Przewalski Horses reintroduced the first horses in 1992. Mongolian Takhi populations located in Khustai Nuruu in Tov aimag and Bugat soum of Govi-Altai aimag have reached around 200 over the last decade. In 2004 the 20 Takhi horses will be re-introduced in Khomiin Tal bufferzone of Khar-Us Nuur National Park, with finance from TAKHI, France and WWF Mongolia. Research conducted from 1998 to 2000 concluded that the reintroduction of Takhi to Khomiin Tal was possible due to its low population density and potential to contain up to 500 horses.

According to a comparative survey on breeding of Gobi bear the male begins to breed from five years and the female starts from four years. Scientifically effective measures for protecting the Gobi bears' genetic resources are required. An observation was undertaken into Gobi bears' locations such as the Khukh Ders, Khatuu Bulag, Allan Tevsh, Suuj Bulag, Mukhar Zadgai, Tsagaan Burgas, Khushoot and Sharkhuls oasis. As a result of the observation, new footprints of the Gobi bear were revealed at the source of Khajuu Bulag (spring) of the Segs Tsagaan Bogd Mountain, as well as a photo and video recording of a fully grown Gobi bear, which was eating fodder. Also new footprints of one or two gobi bears at the Tsagaan Tohoi fodder point and near the spring Khajuu Bulag were measured and recorded.

Birds

So far 434 species of birds, belonging to 193 genera, 56 families and 17 orders, have been registered and observed in Mongolia.    More than 330 species from this are migratory and the remaining 104 species inhabit Mongolia year-round. Approximately 50 species migrate through Mongolia and 20 species are observed here occasionally. The Mongolian Red Book contains a register of 30 bird species, which are not only rare worldwide but are also rare in Mongolia. As an important act of conservation, parts of big lakes and rivers , which are densely inhabited by birds, such as lakes: Khuvusgul, Uvs, Khar-Us, Dayan, Khorgo, Terkhiin Tsagaan, were protected. The Daguur, Dornod and Numrug Strictly Protected Areas were established in order to protect the Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus, White-naped Crane Grus vipio, Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata, Black Stock Ciconia nigra, Dalamatian Pelican Pelicanus crispus, White Spoonbill Platelea Leucorodia, Baikal Teal Anas formosa, Asiatic Dowitcher Limnodromus semiplamatus and Relict Gull Larus relictus.

Mongolia is a landlocked country and is situated in the Centre of the Asian continent. So there are only fishes of river and lake varieties in the country. Mongolian rivers and lakes are classified into three basins: Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Central Asia. Animals in each basin create a specific composition. There are 75 species offish, belonging to 36 genera and 11 families living in the Mongolian water basin. As researchers determined, up to 700 tones of fish could be taken every year from Mongolia's lakes and rivers at present. According to the Environment Ministry report, since 2000, the fishing quota has decreased year by year. For instance, 322 tons offish in 2001 and 250 tons in 2002 were allowed. "The Mongolian Law on Hunting" adopted in 1995, supported by other laws and regulations, has played an important role in the development of fish cultures, and the conservation of fish species in this country. According to the provisions of this law, the Amur Sturgeon Acipenser shrenki and Siberian or Baikal Sturgeon Acipenser Baeri are listed as protected and the Glass ( Chinese ) Carp Ctenogharyngodon idella, Silver Carp Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, and Tench Tinea tinea, are registered as endangered . In addition , 6 species of fish have been included in the Mongolian Red Book and necessary measures have been taken to conserve these species. In order to preserve the fish stocks on a larger scale and to maintain favourable conditions for their breeding, several lakes, such as the Khuvsgul, Uvs, Terkhiin Tsagaan, Dayan, Khoton, Khar Us lakes and some important parts of rivers have been  categorised as  protected  areas.
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Khuvsgul Lake

The most notable mountain lake in Mongolia is Khuvsgul, the deepest lake not just in Mongolia, but also in Central Asia. It is 136 kilometres long, its width is 36.5 kilometres and the depth in the middle of the lake is 262 meters. Its area is 2760 square kilometres. Khuvsgul has fresh water and low mineralisation (140-240 milligrams per litre), ion variation and water hardness (1,1-2,9 milligram equivalent per litreP. There is a weak alkalinity in Khuvsgul which varies between 7.4-8.2. More than ninety rivers flow into the Khuvsgul and the Eg river flows out of it.

Khar-Us Lake

This lake lies at an altitude of 1157 meters, covering an area of 1852 square kilometres, with a maximum length of 72 kilometres, a width of 27 kilometres and a depth of only 4 meters. This is a fresh-water lake and has a low mineral content which varies 180-330 milligram per litre in the cool season and 110-260 milligram per litre in the warm season.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

The lake is situated at an altitude of 206 meters above sea level and it covers an area of 61 square kilometres. Its maximum length is 16 kilometres, the length of its shoreline 6 kilometres and average depth is 6 meters. This is a fresh and soft water lake. This lake is less mineralised; it varies from 160-210 milligram per litre in the winter to 100-180 milligram per litre in the summer.

Buir Lake

The area of its water plane is 615 square kilometres, its length is 40 kilometres and its width is 21 kilometres and its maximum depth is 10.5 meters. This is a soft and fresh water lake.

Khyargas Lake

The area of its water plane is 1407 square kilometres. Its mineral content is 1,000 milligram per litre. The water minerals and salt ions are unstable. The Khyargas is without an outside flow. This is a salt and alkaline water lake. The direct influences of lakes of the blind drainage basin in the Central Asia on the ecosystem are relatively few. But the ecological condition declines in the period with less water due to a flow variation of the lakes' tributary rivers and a cycle variation of the climate. In the last 20 years the length of the cycle with less water grew. As a result of this continued shortage, the water level of the Lake Buuntsagaan has dropped and the Lakes Taastsiin Tsagaan, Orog and Ulaan have dried up.

Uvs Lake

The lake is situated at an altitude of 759 meters above sea level and it covers an area of 3350 square kilometres. Its maximum length is 84 kilometres, the length of its shoreline 425 kilometres and average depth is 12 meters. This is a salt-water lake, without outside flow and a high mineral content of more than 7,000 milligram per litre. Chloride and sodium ions are dominant in the lake's water.
Like the land, the climate exhibits extreme contrasts. Uvs Lake experiences the coldest, warmest, and driest conditions of any place on the globe at a similar latitude. In winter, when the Central Asiatic anticyclone remains stationary above Uvs Lake, temperature of -40° C are common, and temperatures as low as - 58° C have been recorded. In summer, the basin heats up, reaching temperatures as high as40°C. Lake Uvs, located in the west of the country is the first Mongolian region registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. It has been recorded in two specific categories, as an area of rare and extinct animals and plants, and as a territory with untouched and pristine nature. The basin of Lake Uvs, an ancient lowland district of Asia, stretches 160 km from north to south and 600 km from east to west.