Course 3: Hustai National Park: Managing Biodiversity in the Home of Mongolia's Native Horses

Embark on an amazing two-week expedition journeying deep into the heart of Hustai National Park, a thriving ecosystem boasting remarkable biodiversity and groundbreaking conservation initiatives. This park is home to one of the few remaining herds of the world's last truly wild horses, the Przewalski's horse. The course will be led by Dr. Tsermaa Nyamdavaa who holds a PhD in Rangeland Management from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, along with several conservation officers of Hustai National Park. You will learn about and participate in the park’s 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 unique animal species such as Mongolian elk, gazelles, Argali sheep, marmots, and gray wolves. You will participate in crucial research like vegetation biomass assessments, refining your skills in ecological field and laboratory techniques to effectively collect and analyze data supporting conservation endeavors. You'll also learn about local scale, community-driven sustainability in traditional economic activities like cheesemaking and sea buckthorn horticulture, working together with conservationists to preserve the landscape's rich biodiversity. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in cutting edge conservation research ensuring biodiversity and sustainability in this remarkable landscape!