Several regionally and globally endangered species are found in Khomiin tal. As part of its landscape scale conservation Association Takh aims to contribute to action plans and their implementation for these species, and those of regional importance, with help from the local community.
Mammals
Sixty three species of mammals, seven of which are globally threatened, are present in Khar Us Nuur National Park, with the majority of these also being present in Khomiin tal. These animals include small mammals such as hamsters, pikas and jerboas, carnivore species of fox, wolf and Pallas’ cat, and large ungulates such as ibex and gazelles.Poaching for meat and fur is an increasing threat to animals in Mongolia, so Association Takh hired two rangers to form an anti-poaching patrol. These rangers also conduct a gazelle census in May and October each year. Two species of gazelle are present in Khomiin tal – the only population of Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) in the west of Mongolia, and black-tailed gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), which is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Results of these censuses indicate that there are around 200 Mongolian gazelles and 30 black-tailed gazelles in Khomiin tal, with about 1,200 Mongolian gazelles just outside our study area on the other side of the Zavkhan river.
Birds
Khomiin tal has a very rich assemblage of birds as it contains a variety of habitats and wetlands for migrating water birds. These wetlands are globally important, with Khar Us Nuur National Park designated a RAMSAR site, and Khomiin tal a BirdLife International Important Bird Area.Of particular importance for birds in Khomiintal is Baga Nuur, a small saline lake rich in brine shrimp. A survey in August 2007 recorded 9,460 birds from 58 species at the lake, including the threatened Relict Gull (Larus relictus) and very large flocks of Pallas’ Sandgrouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus). Along the Zavkhan river other endangered species can be found: Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides), Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), Pallas’ Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca), amongst others.
Conservation actions undertaken by Association Takh to help conserve these species include regular monitoring of species present and breeding at Baga Nuur, installation of nest rafts for Relict Gulls and Dalmatian Pelicans, and installation of ‘ger wheels’ on posts to provide nest sites for Pallas’ eagle. Provision of nesting sites is important for these species to help protect eggs and juveniles from predators and poaching.