Article
Ecology
Adrian Orihuela-Torres, Zebensui Morales-Reyes, Juan M. Perez-Garcia, Lara Naves-Alegre, Jose A. Sanchez-Zapata, Esther Sebastian-Gonzalez
Summary: This study in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia discovered several vertebrate scavenger species through camera trap monitoring and observation points, with larger carcasses attracting more scavengers. The findings emphasize the importance of scavenging by raptors and other vertebrate scavengers in ecosystems with extreme climatic conditions.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2021)
Article
Geology
Alexander O. Averianov, Alexey Lopatin
Summary: Ondogurvel alifanovi, a new species of alvarezsaurid, is described in this study. It differs from other alvarezsaurids in the complete fusion of metatarsals II and IV in the contact area. Phylogenetic analysis places Ondogurvel in a clade with Late Cretaceous Asian parvicursorines Xixianykus and Albinykus. Two morphological types of the parvicursorine carpometacarpus are recognized.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ming-Hui Wu, Ting Li, Gao-Sen Zhang, Fa-Si Wu, Tuo Chen, Bing-Lin Zhang, Xiu-Kun Wu, Guang-Xiu Liu, Ke-Cun Zhang, Wei Zhang
Summary: Understanding how microbial communities adapt to environmental stresses is crucial for interpreting ecological patterns and microbial diversity. In this study, we investigated the hypolithic communities in the Gobi Desert and found that hypolithic colonization rates decreased with increasing drought gradient. We also observed different community compositions in the hot and cold seasons, with cold communities dominated by Cyanobacteria and hot communities dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Cold communities had stronger functions in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Our findings suggest that the hypolithic communities in the Hexi Corridor of the Gobi Desert may follow a seasonal developmental cycle.
Article
Ecology
Batjargal Buyantogtokh, Yasunori Kurosaki, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Mitsuru Tsubo, Masahide Ishizuka, Batdelger Gantsetseg, Gankhuyag Batjargal
Summary: Spatial information about the sand saltation threshold was quantified using Sentinel-1 SAR data, which showed a linear relationship with observed thresholds. This method provides a means to estimate the spatial-temporal distribution of the threshold during dry periods and enhance numerical dust models for simulating sand transport and dust emission fluxes.
JOURNAL OF ARID ENVIRONMENTS
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Adrian Orihuela-Torres, Juan M. Perez-Garcia, Zebensui Morales-Reyes, Lara Naves-Alegre, Jose A. Sanchez-Zapata, Esther Sebastian-Gonzalez
Summary: In the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, power lines are causing bird mortality at an alarming rate, despite the use of retrofitting measures. Different crossarm configurations and perch deterrents have varying effects on electrocution rates, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to minimize avian mortality.
Article
Biology
Wenxuan Xu, Muyang Wang, David Blank, Antonio Alves da Silva, Weikang Yang, Kathreen E. Ruckstuhl, Joana Alves
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of differing levels of human disturbances on two different group types of goitered gazelle living in three functional zones in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, China. The study found that smaller-sized, single-sex groups were more significantly affected by human disturbances than larger-sized, mixed-sex groups. Goitered gazelle showed higher vigilance levels in the experimental zone, and a linear decrease in vigilance with respect to group size was observed in all three zones, with a higher rate of decrease in the experimental zone.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Wen Qin, Jirong Li, Changhui Xu, Le Yang
Summary: The goitered gazelle, Gazella subgutturosa reginae, is only found in the Qaidam basin in Qinghai province, playing a role in ecosystem balance. This study presents the complete mitochondrial genome of this species, aiding in taxonomic and evolutionary research. The phylogenetic tree shows a close relationship between Gazella subgutturosa reginae and Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Wenxuan Xu, Wei Liu, Wei Ma, Muyang Wang, Feng Xu, Weikang Yang, Chris Walzer, Petra Kaczensky
Summary: Understanding the changes in population size, distribution and threats is crucial for assessing the status of the Near Threatened Asiatic wild ass in northern China. A recent assessment of the species has been lacking, so researchers conducted a thorough literature review and field surveys to update the current status. The results indicate a significant decline and fragmentation of the khulan's distribution range in China, caused by excessive human interference and habitat loss. Urgent conservation efforts, including cross-border cooperation with Mongolia, are needed to protect the remaining population and ensure the long-term survival of the species in the Gobi region.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Arlene M. Rosen, Lisa Janz, Bukhchuluun Dashzeveg, Davaakhuu Odsuren
Summary: This paper examines successful strategies employed by small-scale mobile communities in drylands throughout thousands of years, highlighting the importance of transmitting Traditional Ecological Knowledge, exploiting diverse resources, and storing food as a buffer against drought. The findings from the Mid-Holocene site of Zaraa Uul in the Gobi Desert support the effectiveness of these strategies in enhancing caloric intake and potential commodities.
Article
Microbiology
Shao-Wei Liu, Norovsuren Jadambaa, Arina A. Nikandrova, Ilya A. Osterman, Cheng-Hang Sun
Summary: This study characterized the biodiversity of culturable actinobacteria in the saxaul forest of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and assessed their potential to produce antibacterial compounds. The results showed that some isolates exhibited antagonistic activity against tested pathogens, and bioactive compounds such as chloramphenicol, althiomycin, and granaticin were identified from extracts of Streptomyces strains. This work demonstrates the potential of the saxaul forest in the Mongolian Gobi Desert as a source for novel actinobacteria and biologically active compounds.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ren-De Wang, Qing Li, Chun-Lai Zhang, Zhen-Ting Wang, Zhong-Ling Guo, Chun-Ping Chang, Ji-Feng Li
Summary: This study compared the dust emission ability of sand desert, Gobi, and farmland in northern China. Results showed that under low friction velocities, sand desert had the greatest emission ability, but as wind speed increased, farmland gradually exceeded sand desert in emission ability. This highlights the importance of considering wind velocity and dust size when comparing the emission ability of different land types.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xunming Wang, Bingqi Zhu, Zhenting Wang, Caixia Zhang, Xin Geng, Likun Han, Yang Zheng, Diwen Cai, Danfeng Li
Summary: This study conducted experimental observations on the physical weathering of surface sediments in the Gobi Desert and explored its driving factors. The results showed that the intensity of physical weathering was higher than previously estimated, and the d(0.1) size was found to be a sensitive indicator of physical weathering.
Article
Agronomy
Hong Zhang, Chao Han, Tom D. Breeze, Mengdan Li, Shibonage K. Mashilingi, Jun Hua, Wenbin Zhang, Xuebin Zhang, Shiwen Zhang, Jiandong An
Summary: The study found that bumblebee pollination can improve both the yield and flavor of tomatoes. The pollination method affects fruit set, weight, and seed quantity of tomatoes. Bumblebee-pollinated tomatoes have better flavor, with higher levels of fructose and glucose, but lower levels of sucrose, citric acid, and malic acid. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds in bumblebee-pollinated tomatoes are different from those in vibrator-treated or PGR-treated tomatoes, with more compounds preferred by consumers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Batjargal Buyantogtokh, Yasunori Kurosaki, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Mitsuru Tsubo, Batdelger Gantsetseg, Amarsaikhan Davaadorj, Masahide Ishizuka, Tsuyoshi T. Sekiyama, Taichu Y. Tanaka, Takashi Maki
Summary: In the stony desert of the Gobi Desert, the roughness density of stones is related to the threshold friction velocity of sand movement during dust storms. Stones in the northern part of the study area have lower roughness density compared to those in the southern part. Raupach's theoretical roughness correction works well in simulating the threshold friction velocity in the stony desert.
JOURNAL OF ARID LAND
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andre Elias Rodrigues Soares, Nikolaus Boroffka, Oskar Schroeder, Leonid Sverchkov, Norbert Benecke, Torsten Guenther
Summary: This study successfully identified a goitered gazelle specimen and confirmed hunting of the species in Central Asia during the Iron Age, using archaeogenomics. It represents the first ancient DNA and nuclear DNA sequences of this species. Due to limited genomic resources, a more in-depth analysis of the nuclear sequences was not possible.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martina Burnik Sturm, Steve Smith, Oyunsaikhan Ganbaatar, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Boglarka Balint, John C. Payne, Christian C. Voigt, Petra Kaczensky
Summary: Increasing livestock numbers are affecting resource availability for wild ungulates, potentially negatively impacting their fitness. The Mongolian Gobi serves as a refuge for threatened ungulates, but concerns are rising due to high livestock numbers. Analysis using different methodologies reveals shifts in dietary niche and highlights the importance of understanding resource partitioning in ungulates.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew J. Kauffman, Francesca Cagnacci, Simon Chamaille-Jammes, Mark Hebblewhite, J. Grant C. Hopcraft, Jerod A. Merkle, Thomas Mueller, Atle Mysterud, Wibke Peters, Christiane Roettger, Alethea Steingisser, James E. Meacham, Kasahun Abera, Jan Adamczewski, Ellen O. Aikens, Hattie Bartlam-Brooks, Emily Bennitt, Joel Berger, Charlotte Boyd, Steeve D. Cote, Lucie Debeffe, Andrea S. Dekrout, Nandintsetseg Dejid, Emiliano Donadio, Luthando Dziba, William F. Fagan, Claude Fischer, Stefano Focardi, John M. Fryxell, Richard W. S. Fynn, Chris Geremia, Benito A. Gonzalez, Anne Gunn, Elie Gurarie, Marco Heurich, Jodi Hilty, Mark Hurley, Aran Johnson, Kyle Joly, Petra Kaczensky, Corinne J. Kendall, Pavel Kochkarev, Leonid Kolpaschikov, Rafal Kowalczyk, Frank van Langevelde, Binbin V. Li, Alex L. Lobora, Anne Loison, Tinaapi H. Madiri, David Mallon, Pascal Marchand, Rodrigo A. Medellin, Erling Meisingset, Evelyn Merrill, Arthur D. Middleton, Kevin L. Monteith, Malik Morjan, Thomas A. Morrison, Steffen Mumme, Robin Naidoo, Andres Novaro, Joseph O. Ogutu, Kirk A. Olson, Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, Ramiro J. A. Ovejero, Norman Owen-Smith, Antti Paasivaara, Craig Packer, Danila Panchenko, Luca Pedrotti, Andrew J. Plumptre, Christer M. Rolandsen, Sonia Said, Albert Salemgareyev, Aleksandr Savchenko, Piotr Savchenko, Hall Sawyer, Moses Selebatso, Matthew Skroch, Erling Solberg, Jared A. Stabach, Olav Strand, Michael J. Suitor, Yasuyuki Tachiki, Anne Trainor, Arnold Tshipa, Munir Z. Virani, Carly Vynne, Stephanie Ward, George Wittemyer, Wenjing Xu, Steffen Zuther
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gantulga Bayandonoi, Koustubh Sharma, Justine Shanti Alexander, Purevjav Lkhagvajav, Ian Durbach, Chimeddorj Buyanaa, Bariushaa Munkhtsog, Munkhtogtokh Ochirjav, Sergelen Erdenebaatar, Bilguun Batkhuyag, Nyamzav Battulga, Choidogjamts Byambasuren, Bayarsaikhan Uudus, Shar Setev, Lkhagvasuren Davaa, Khurel-Erdene Agchbayar, Naranbaatar Galsandorj, Darryl MacKenzie
Summary: This study aimed to create the first probabilistic distribution map of snow leopards in Mongolia, addressing the challenge of imperfect detection. The study found that snow leopards are more likely to be present in areas with rugged terrain, lower vegetation indices, less forest cover, and at intermediate altitudes. Detection probability was higher for segments walked on foot and in more rugged terrain.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
John-Oliver Engler, Karsten Wesche, Petra Kaczensky, Prabesh Dhakal, Oyundari Chuluunkhuyag, Henrik von Wehrden
Summary: The study found that in the southern Gobi of Mongolia, both biophysical and politico-economic factors were important determinants of livestock numbers, with the politico-economic singularity of 1992 being the largest driver of livestock dynamics during the period investigated.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Saeideh Esmaeili, Brett R. Jesmer, Shannon E. Albeke, Ellen O. Aikens, Kathryn A. Schoenecker, Sarah R. B. King, Briana Abrahms, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Jeffrey L. Beck, Randall B. Boone, Francesca Cagnacci, Simon Chamaille-Jammes, Buyanaa Chimeddorj, Paul C. Cross, Nandintsetseg Dejid, Jagdag Enkhbyar, Ilya R. Fischhoff, Adam T. Ford, Kate Jenks, Mahmoud-Reza Hemami, Jacob D. Hennig, Takehiko Y. Ito, Petra Kaczensky, Matthew J. Kauffman, John D. C. Linnell, Badamjav Lkhagvasuren, John F. McEvoy, Joerg Melzheimer, Jerod A. Merkle, Thomas Mueller, Jeff Muntifering, Atle Mysterud, Kirk A. Olson, Manuela Panzacchi, John C. Payne, Luca Pedrotti, Geir R. Rauset, Daniel Rubenstein, Hall Sawyer, John D. Scasta, Johannes Signer, Melissa Songer, Jared A. Stabach, Seth Stapleton, Olav Strand, Siva R. Sundaresan, Dorj Usukhjargal, Ganbold Uuganbayar, John M. Fryxell, Jacob R. Goheen
Summary: The study found that selection for intermediate forage biomass is associated with smaller ungulates, regardless of body size or digestive system. Meanwhile, selection for proximity to surface water is stronger for equids compared to ruminants, regardless of body size.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anisha Dayaram, Peter Seeber, Alexandre Courtiol, Sanatana Soilemetzidou, Kyriakos Tsangaras, Mathias Franz, Gayle K. McEwen, Walid Azab, Petra Kaczensky, Joerg Melzheimer, Marion L. East, Oyunsaikhan Ganbaatar, Christian Walzer, Nikolaus Osterrieder, Alex D. Greenwood
Summary: In climates with limited seasonal precipitation, viruses can use animal congregations at scarce water sources to spread. Equid herpesviruses (EHVs) were found to remain stable and infectious in water, with different strains shedding more frequently during the dry season. The study showed high genome copy numbers of EHVs in waterholes across various mammalian assemblages, with little divergence among ancient lineages. EHVs were stable in waterholes and remained infectious, supporting water as an abiotic viral vector for EHV transmission.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin Cretois, John D. C. Linnell, Bram Van Moorter, Petra Kaczensky, Erlend B. Nilsen, Jorge Parada, Jan Ketil Rod
Summary: This study quantified the relative importance of human activity and biophysical constraints on the distribution of large mammals, finding that large mammal distribution is primarily constrained by biophysical factors rather than anthropogenic variables. This offers a cautiously optimistic outlook for wildlife conservation in the Anthropocene.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah Ashley Mueller, Stefan Prost, Ole Anders, Christine Breitenmoser-Wursten, Oddmund Kleven, Peter Klinga, Marjeta Konec, Alexander Kopatz, Jarmila Krojerova-Prokesova, Tomma Lilli Middelhoff, Gabriela Obexer-Ruff, Tobias Erik Reiners, Krzysztof Schmidt, Magda Sindicic, Tomaz Skrbinsek, Branislav Tam, Alexander P. Saveljev, Galsandorj Naranbaatar, Carsten Nowak
Summary: Reintroductions of large carnivores may result in decreased genetic diversity and increased inbreeding. This study examines the genetic outcomes of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx and finds that reintroduced populations have lower genetic diversity and higher levels of inbreeding compared to natural populations. The study highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in reintroduction programs and advocates for regular genomic assessments to safeguard genetic diversity.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Romane Darul, Alexander Gavashelishvili, Alexander P. Saveljev, Ivan Seryodkin, John D. C. Linnell, Henryk Okarma, Guna Bagrade, Aivars Ornicans, Janis Ozolins, Peep Mannil, Igor Khorozyan, Dime Melovski, Aleksandar Stojanov, Aleksander Trajce, Bledi Hoxha, Mikhail G. Dvornikov, Naranbaatar Galsandorj, Innokentiy Okhlopkov, Jimsher Mamuchadze, Yuriy A. Yarovenko, Muzigit Akkiev, Giorgi Sulamanidze, Vazha Kochiashvili, Mehmet Kursat Sahin, Sergey A. Trepet, Alim B. Pkhitikov, Mohammad S. Farhadinia, Jose A. Godoy, Tomas Jaszay, Miroslaw Ratkiewicz, Krzysztof Schmidt
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between the variability of pelage phenotypes in the Eurasian lynx and environmental conditions. Despite the impact of various environmental variables on lynx distribution and habitat suitability, the least-cost distances from locations of inferred glacial refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum were found to best explain the distribution of lynx coat patterns.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lena M. Michler, Petra Kaczensky, Jane F. Ploechl, Daginnas Batsukh, Sabine A. Baumgartner, Bayarmaa Battogtokh, Anna C. Treydte
Summary: Livestock grazing patterns and herder behavior were studied in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area of Mongolia using GPS tracking data, remote sensing data, and ground-based vegetation characteristics. The study found that herder decisions to move camps were influenced by biomass availability and other factors like wind shelter in winter. Herders preferred to locate camps in Stipa spp. communities, a highly nutritious species. The average number of camp changes per year was 9, with long distances between summer and winter camps. Livestock spent most of their time within 100 m from the camp, and the intensity of livestock use decreased with distance from camp. However, there was no corresponding gradient in plant species richness, biomass, and cover on the Gobi plains.
RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
B. G. Parker, M. Khanyari, H. Ambarli, B. Buuveibaatar, M. Kabir, G. Khanal, H. R. Mirzadeh, Y. Onon, M. S. Farhadinia
Summary: This study provides an overview of trophy hunting characteristics in Asia, including the number of countries with hunting programs, the target species, hunting areas, and permit prices. The findings reveal variations in these characteristics among countries, highlighting the need for further research on the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of trophy hunting. The study also emphasizes the importance of evaluating the contributions of trophy hunting to conservation efforts and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as examining public perceptions of trophy hunting.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Charlotte Hacker, Luciano Atzeni, Bariushaa Munkhtsog, Bayaraa Munkhtsog, Naranbaatar Galsandorj, Yuguang Zhang, Yanlin Liu, Chimeddorj Buyanaa, Gantulga Bayandonoi, Munkhtogtokh Ochirjav, John. D. D. Farrington, Matthew Jevit, Yu Zhang, Liji Wu, Wei Cong, Dingqiang Li, Charleen Gavette, Rodney Jackson, Jan E. Janecka
Summary: Understanding landscape connectivity and population genetics is crucial for managing threatened species. However, there is a lack of information on these aspects for the snow leopard. This study examined gene flow patterns and genetic structure in Mongolia and China, revealing a genetic differentiation between populations in China and Mongolia, with the Gobi Desert acting as a significant barrier. However, there were indications of connective routes that could facilitate movement. The study highlights the importance of maintaining connectivity within Mongolia and increasing research efforts in China for snow leopard conservation.
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Byoung-Won Park, Young Woo Park, Bo Da Nam, Seong Soon Kwon
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ariunbaatar Barkhasbaatar, Martin Gilbert, Amanda E. Fine, Enkhtuvshin Shiilegdamba, Batchuluun Damdinjav, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Bodisaikhan Khishgee, Christine K. Johnson, Connie Y. H. Leung, Ulaankhuu Ankhanbaatar, Dulam Purevtseren, James M. Tuttle, Jonna A. K. Mazet, Joseph S. Malik Peiris, Losolmaa Jambal, Munkhduuren Shatar, Tuvshintugs Sukhbaatar, Sarah H. Olson
Summary: This study collected a total of 10,222 fecal samples from wild birds in Mongolia between 2009-2013 and 2016-2018, and identified 175 low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses of 29 subtype combinations. During these time periods, the viruses were more frequently detected in the fall season (August to October) compared with the early summer (April to July). The study demonstrates the use of a cost-effective fecal sampling approach for monitoring avian influenza in wild bird populations and contributes to our understanding of the prevalence and ecology of these viruses in Mongolia, a country with a globally important habitat for large concentrations of migratory water birds.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Petra Kaczensky, Albert Salemgareyev, John D. C. Linnell, Steffen Zuther, Chris Walzer, Nikolaus Huber, Thierry Petit
Summary: The reintroduction of Asiatic wild ass, or kulan, to a new environment showed challenges in reestablishing cohesive groups and maintaining movement correlation among individuals. Low movement correlation among the reintroduced animals posed a risk of losing contact with each other.
FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2021)
