Rising global demand for cashmere has increased goat production across the high altitude rangelands of Central Asia. This may be driving the decline of several iconic large mammal species, including the endangered snow leopard (Uncia uncia). In Mongolia, there is growing concern that this lucrative market may be leading to overgrazing and pasture degradation with potentially negative consequences for both herder livelihoods and native wildlife.

 

Expanding herds of cashmere-producing goats may threatening wild ungulates due to competition for limited resources, whilst reductions in wild prey may increase livestock depredation by snow leopards and wolves, bringing them into further conflict with local herders.

 

We are investigating the ecological impact and societal underpinnings of the growing cashmere trade in the South Gobi rangelands of Mongolia. This research will help inform the development of novel management solutions to reconcile wildlife conservation with sustainable livelihood objectives.

 

Where?

Tost Nature Reserve, South Gobi, Mongolia.

 

What species?

Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia)

Wolf (Canis lupus)

Siberian ibex (Capra siberica)

Argali (Ovis ammon)

Domestic Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)

 

People

Zara Morris-Trainor (University of Aberdeen)

Steve Redpath (University of Aberdeen)

Michelle Pinard (University of Aberdeen)

Charudutt Mishra (Snow Leopard Trust)

Yash Veer Bhatnagar (Snow Leopard Trust)