Hustai National Park: Managing Biodiversity in the Home of Mongolia’s Native Horses
14 Days ◦ 6 Instructors and Support Staff
No Prior Experience Required, All Instruction will be in English
July 29 - August 11 , 2024
Embark on an intensive two-week expedition immersing yourself in Mongolia's cutting-edge efforts to establish and manage specially protected areas, centered around the globally acclaimed Hustai National Park. The park is home to one of the few remaining thriving herds of the world's last truly wild horses, the Przewalski's horse. This immersive field course resonates with the urgent call from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, highlighting the imminent threat of land degradation primarily caused by agricultural and forestry practices. This degradation imperils landscapes, biodiversity, and essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration. Hustai National Park serves as a pivotal bastion in combating these detrimental impacts, forming the nucleus of our investigation.
Applications for Summer 2024 Field School programs are closed. Please check back in late Fall 2024 for information regarding Mongolia Field School 2025 course offerings, applications, and fellowships.
Course Overview
Journey deep into the heart of Hustai National Park, a thriving ecosystem boasting remarkable biodiversity and groundbreaking conservation initiatives. Unveil the park's unique features, unravel its intricate management strategies, and delve into innovative wildlife conservation methodologies. Through hands-on fieldwork, engage in the observation and study of Przewalski’s horses, along with other awe-inspiring species such as Mongolian elk, gazelles, Argali sheep, marmots, and gray wolves. Participate in crucial activities like vegetation biomass assessments, refining your skill in ecological research techniques to effectively collect and analyze crucial data supporting conservation endeavors.
Digging deeper, we will explore the concept of community-based conservation, examining its profound implications within both the park and its adjoining buffer zone. Witness firsthand the positive outcomes of sustainable resource management on local livelihoods by visiting local enterprises, including eco-tourism enterprises, community-scale cheese factories, and sustainable sea buckthorn horticulture operations. These activities will serve to demonstrate and reinforce the importance of implementing community-based, ecologically informed rangeland management for safeguarding biodiversity and sustainability.
This expedition will also transcend scientific exploration, offering a rich cultural immersion experience. Engage in a plethora of cultural immersion experiences, from participating in traditional festivals and visiting the revered Gandan Monastery to exploring the Mongolian National History Museum. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of herder families, partake in cultural activities such as horse and camel riding, traditional food preparation, and indulge in traditional games, unraveling the essence of Mongolia's ancient traditions and heritage. Witness innovative solutions in action through a visit to the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Breeding Project, showcasing a traditional approach to combat desertification and conserve vital grasslands.
This course caters to academics focusing on protected area studies, natural sciences professionals, national and provincial park administrators and managers, members of non-governmental environmental and conservation organizations, and enthusiastic members of the lay-public who wish to get an insider’s view of what makes Mongolia so special on the world stage and also contribute to conservation efforts. Join us in unraveling the intricate balance between conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods amidst Mongolia's awe-inspiring landscapes.
Anticipated Course Activities
Day 1 Jul 29
Course orientation in Ulaanbaatar
Participants will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with both the course faculty and fellow participants. They will acquire essential insights into Mongolian culture, history, and language. Additionally, participants will delve into the rich biodiversity of Mongolia, exploring its network of specially protected areas and understanding Mongolia's pivotal role in the broader global context.
Day 2 Jul 30
Overview of Hustai National Park and Visit to the Mongolian Natural History Museum and Gandan Monastery
We begin with a thorough introduction to Hustai National Park, enabling participants to grasp its intricate management structure, innovative wildlife conservation strategies, and captivating ecosystem characteristics in detail. To delve further into the rich fabric of Mongolian history and culture, participants will embark on captivating visits to the Mongolian Natural History Museum (formerly known as the Mongolian National Museum). Additionally, they will explore the revered Gandan Monastery, a deeply significant site in Mongolia's Buddhist heritage, providing an authentic insight into the spiritual heart of the country.
Day 3 Jul 31
Overview of Przewalski’s horses
Upon arrival at Hustai National Park, an exhilarating two-hour drive from our starting point, participants will immerse themselves in the traditional Mongolian lifestyle by settling into their lodging—authentic gers, known to westerners as “yurts”. Once settled, exploration awaits as participants delve into the captivating narrative of Przewalski’s horses. These majestic creatures, once on the brink of extinction, were rescued through dedicated reintroduction efforts that culminated in the establishment of this very park.
Day 4 Aug 1
Przewalski’s Horse Observation and Related Analyses
Participants will collaborate with the park's wildlife horse biologist, engaging in the enthralling task of observing and tracking Przewalski’s horse breeding harems amidst the picturesque landscape of Hustai National Park. We will acquire hands-on experience in utilizing GIS (Geographic Information System) software and equipment to conduct habitat analyses and assess species distributions, adding invaluable field and analytical skills to our conservation toolkits.
Day 5 Aug 2
Vegetation Biomass Study
Participants will have the opportunity to expand their understanding of the diverse vegetation within Hustai National Park through informative sessions led by the park's botanist. Moreover, participants will actively contribute by assisting in the measurement of vegetation biomass, a crucial step in conducting analyses to track seasonal changes and understand the park's dynamic ecosystem. For those seeking an optional adventure, hiking through the park's scenic trails offers a splendid opportunity for immersion in the park’s natural beauty while experiencing firsthand the landscapes and biodiversity that make Hustai famous.
Day 6 Aug 3
Wildlife Counting and Related Analyses
Participants will actively engage with Hustai National Park biologists and rangers in conducting wildlife transects, involving the counting of various species such as Przewalski’s horses, red deer, Mongolian gazelle, Argali sheep, marmots, and gray wolves. Following this, participants will utilize GIS programs to conduct comprehensive habitat analyses and estimate population sizes, enriching their practical skills in conservation research methodologies. As an additional enriching activity, participants will have the opportunity to meet and converse with the dedicated Hustai National Park rangers, gaining insights into their experiences and expertise in wildlife conservation and park management.
Day 7 Aug 4
Visit to Danshig Naadam–Khuree Tsam Festival
Participants will have the unique opportunity to partake in the annual religious and cultural festival, "Danshig Naadam–Khuree Tsam," located at Khui Doloon Khudag, merely an hour's drive from the park. This festival promises a rich cultural immersion featuring a stunning array of activities including traditional dances, melodious music, and captivating singing. Additionally, attendees will witness thrilling horse racing, wrestling matches, and a vibrant display of traditional Mongolian attire.
Day 8 Aug 5
Nomadic Cultural Day
Prepare for an exhilarating excursion as participants venture into the buffer zone surrounding the park, where we will visit local herder families for an authentic and hands-on experience. Engage in a number of important traditional activities including herding livestock and witness the fascinating process of milking goats. Dive into the heart of Mongolian culinary traditions by learning to prepare and savor traditional food and dairy products, accompanied by indulging in time-honored traditional beverages such as the incredibly important Mongolian fermented mare’s milk beverage airag. Amidst these immersive experiences, participants will have the invaluable opportunity to interact and converse with the herders and their families, gaining firsthand insights into their way of life, customs, and traditions, fostering meaningful cultural exchanges and unforgettable memories.
Day 9 Aug 6
Community-based Conservation
Today we will delve into the intricate implementation of Community-based Natural Resources Management within both Hustai National Park and its Buffer Zone. We will uncover the practical applications and successes of this approach firsthand. Moreover, participants will embark on enlightening visits to local enterprises which exemplify the Community-based Natural Resources Management initiatives associated with the park. These include a diverse array of businesses, such as a community-based eco-tourism venture, a renowned Gouda cheese factory, and a thriving sea buckthorn operation. Through these visits, participants will gain profound insights into the symbiotic relationship between Hustai National Park's administration, local herder communities, and government bodies.
Day 10 Aug 7
Gray Wolf Observation and Tracking
Participants will engage in an immersive learning experience centered around gray wolves, delving into their population dynamics and the pivotal role these majestic creatures play within the delicate ecosystem of Hustai National Park. Moreover, we will actively contribute to wolf management by collaborating with park biologists and rangers in the intricate task of tracking gray wolves within the park's expanse. This hands-on involvement will offer a unique opportunity to understand the behaviors and movements of these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.
Day 11 Aug 8
Visit to Hugnu-Tarna Nature Reserve
We will embark on a journey to the Hugnu-Tarna Nature Reserve, a two-hour drive from Hustai National Park. Upon arrival, participants will receive a comprehensive overview of the reserve, enabling them to discern and analyze the distinct natural ecosystems and conservation management strategiess employed at both Hugnu-Tarna Nature Reserve and Hustai National Park. As an additional thrilling activity, participants will venture to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Here, participants can opt for an exhilarating hike while also experiencing the iconic "group ride" atop Mongolian camels across the dunes, offering a unique and memorable adventure in this breathtaking landscape.
Day 12 Aug 9
Mongolian Marmot Observation
Participants will gain insight into the pivotal role that Mongolian marmots play within the intricate ecosystem of Hustai National Park, specifically exploring their significance in the conservation efforts for Przewalski’s horses.
As an enriching activity, participants will journey to the southern part of Hustai National Park, an hour's drive from the campsite, to explore the ancient Ungut monuments. These fascinating Bronze Age stones, sculpted in human, lion, and sheep forms, along with a procession of several hundred balbal stones, offer a captivating glimpse into the rich historical and cultural heritage embedded within this region.
Day 13 Aug 10
Visit to Mongolian Bankhar Dog Breeding Project
Today we will visit the nearby Mongolian Bankhar (shepherd) Dog Breeding Project, where we will uncover the profound significance of Mongolian Bankhar dogs in wildlife conservation and the preservation of traditional herding lifestyles. Later in the afternoon, we will begin the return to Ulaanbaatar, an approximately two hour drive.
Day 14 Aug 11
Course Conclusion
In Ulaanbaatar, participants and faculty gather for final reflections on their course journey. This session isn't just about evaluation; it's a chance to share personal insights and experiences gained from exploring Mongolia. It's a celebration of growth and shared discoveries, blending academic knowledge with practical wisdom gained in the field.
Instructors
Tsermaa Nyamdavaa
Dr. Tserendulam Tseren-Ochir
Dr. Usukhjargal Dorj
Uuganbayar Ganbold
Byambadorj Purevdoo
Batzaya Tsogt (Assistant)
Testimonials
