The Gobi bear is a critically endangered subspecies of brown bear that lives in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, with a population of around 40 individuals. It faces threats of habitat loss from desertification and overgrazing, as well as poaching. Conservation efforts have included establishing protected areas, supplementary feeding, and potential options for captive breeding, but more research is needed to understand this unique bear and ensure long-term protection of its small remaining habitat.

1. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Gobi Bear
Species Conservation

2. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
The Gobi Bear
Unique among Brown Bears
having adapted to desert life
Ursus arctos gobiensis - sub species
of the Brown Bear © Granada Wild
Estimates of around 40 individuals
in the population

3. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
The Gobi Bear
Full protection under CITES
Appendix 1
Mongolian Red List (2006) lists the
Gobi bear as “critically endangered” © Granada Wild
Very little research has been
conducted into the ecology of the
bear

4. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
The Gobi Bear
Reproductive population may be as
low as 20
2 populations exist one small, one
larger, interbreeding between the two © Granada Wild
populations does not seem to occur
Small population is mainly male with
no young

5. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Habitat and climate
Around 30 bears survive in 15,000 km2 , a Carrying
Capacity of about 1 bear 500km-2 (poor food)
Extremes of dry hot summers and very cold dry winters
Desertification accelerating in the area

6. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Habitat and climate
© Rogier Gruys www.bluepeak.net

7. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Conservation so far
1976 Great Gobi National
Park - Bears range entirely
encompassed Mongolia
Designated “Strictly Protected
Area” Gobi Bear
area
Great Gobi
National Park
Little enforcement of
protection

8. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Conservation so far
Supplementary feeding
April, May and early June
Occurs after hibernation © Granada Wild
Hit by economic constraints

9. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Economic question
Collapse of Mongolian economy
following end of communism
Third of human population at
starvation levels (UNDP)
Reverse in urbanisation has led to
overgrazing in some areas

10. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Economic question
National environmental protection
budget slashed
Dependence on outside support
International agencies have shifted
focus to “world hotspots” eg
Rainforests - a not every species
can be saved approach

11. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Threats
To varying extents:
Disturbance by livestock
Accidental trapping
Habitat destruction and http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/mongolia/en/Home/
Development_Cooperation/Livestock_Project_Mongolia
desertification

12. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Threats
To varying extents:
Wolf predation
Poor food supply of low quality © Granada Wild
Inbreeding
Models suggest extinction in 10 years

13. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
However
Population seems to have been
stable for three decades
Remote hostile environment may
be the bears best defense © Granada Wild
A willingness locally exists to do
something

14. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Conservation options
Captive breeding and
reintroduction:
Could augment a critically small
population © Granada Wild
But - means taking wild animals
originally and it may not be
successful

15. Topic 4: Conservation and
Biodiversity
4.2: Evaluating Biodiversity and Vulnerability
Conservation options
Ecosystem answers: (but maybe to
late)
Better research to understand the
bears
© Granada Wild
Improving food quality - increasing
prey food numbers
Better habitat protection