The Gobi Bear, also known as the Mazaalai, is a subspecies of brown bear that lives in the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia. It is one of the rarest bears in the world. This solitary wild animal is uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh desert ecosystem of the Burkhan Khaldun area.
The Mazaalai is relatively small in size, with fur that is usually light brown or grayish-brown. Its habitat is limited and its population is very low, which is why it is classified as “critically endangered” both internationally and nationally.
This bear mainly feeds on birds, small animals, plants, and berries. During the winter, it becomes more secretive and less active. The Mazaalai is an important part of Mongolia’s natural heritage, and protecting its habitat is crucial for maintaining the stability of the desert ecosystem.
Gobi Bear Mazaalai Status
Critically endangered species. Classified as “extinct” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria at the global level.
Identification
The general appearance is similar to a forest brown bear but smaller in size. For example, a Mazaalai captured alive in spring near Khoshotoi spring in the Shar Khuls mountain range had a body length of 167 cm, shoulder height of 79 cm, and weighed 138 kg. Another specimen from Tsagaan Bogd mountain measured 168 cm in body length, 92 cm in shoulder height, and weighed 90 kg. In summer, its fur is uniformly brown, while in winter and spring it has dark brown guard hairs with lighter yellowish underfur. The lower legs below the knees and the neck are darker than the rest of the body. Some individuals, especially cubs and young bears, do not show pale spots on the neck and back. The coloration varies depending on age and sex. Claws are pale-colored, slightly curved, blunt, thick, and short. Movements are light and agile.
Distribution and habitat
In the 1930s, the Mazaalai was found in the western part of the Altai Gobi, from the eastern tip of Aj Bogd mountain, eastward to Tost, Nemegt mountains, southward to Eej Khairkhan, Zahui, and Bayangburd in Zarman, to the Edren mountains, and westward up to the state border. Today, their range is reduced to about one-fifth of that area, limited to around 18,000 sq km, mainly around Segs Tsagaan Bogd, Shar Khuls mountain range, Temurtein Khukh range, Atas Inges mountains, and surrounding rocky low hills near springs like Shar Khuls, Tsagaan Tokhoi, Tsagaan Burgas, and others. They are occasionally spotted around Tost mountain in the east, Maihan Bulag in the west, and Edren mountain range in the south.
Life habits
From November to December, they den in rock caves, tunnels, bamboo thickets, or under the roots of shrubs. In summer, they live near open water sources. Females give birth after a year of hibernation, usually in early February to March, mostly one cub but sometimes twins. They mainly eat plants. Their summer diet consists of wild berries such as wolfberry and barberry roots in spring and autumn, as well as other plants like sedge, wolfberry, mahirs, and huls. They also feed on animal sources such as carrion of small animals, rabbits, rodents like voles and ground squirrels, birds, lizards, and insects. They primarily forage at night. When food is scarce, they may prey on each other. The Mazaalai’s diet includes 33 plant species and 18 animal species, which vary by season.
Population and threats
In the 1960s, the population was estimated at 15-20 individuals; in the mid-1970s around 20; early 1980s about 25-30; late 1980s 50-60; early 1990s about 30. Automatic camera and genetic studies estimate 22-31 individuals currently. Population fluctuates greatly year to year. Extreme dry and harsh climate conditions, persistent water and food shortages cause deaths and limit reproduction. Occasional illegal killings by poachers and accidental capture of cubs occur. Destruction of bamboo thickets and shrublands used for shelter, human and livestock settlements disrupt their natural habitat. Competition for territory and food shortage sometimes causes cannibalism. Illegal mining activities such as gold prospecting within the Mazaalai’s range are increasing. The species is at high risk of extinction.
Conservation status
Hunting of the Mazaalai has been banned by law since 1953. It is registered as a critically endangered species under the Animal Protection Law, and its main habitat is included in the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area. It is listed in the IUCN Red List and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Since 2013, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has formed a special working group to expand ecological and biological research, protect and restore its habitat, and implement biotechnological conservation measures.
Conservation measures
Protect and restore the Bayangburd and spring thicket habitats from desertification, drying, and human impact. Provide open water sources where water is insufficient and increase additional feeding points to maintain a stable food supply, especially quality food during the spring breeding season. Reintroduce the bear to some of its former range. Study the biology, ecology, and genetics of the Mazaalai to develop and implement effective conservation projects. Activate the Mazaalai Fund and strengthen partnerships among government, specialized institutes, and NGOs to preserve its genetic pool.