The steppes of Mongolia harbor a unique and diverse carnivore community. Among the most common and economically important species are the corsac fox, red fox, and Pallas’ cat. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) classifies Pallas’ cats as Near Threatened due to population declines in recent years from over-hunting and poaching. Both fox species are listed as Threatened by IUCN but are classified as lower risk.

Due to these species' status in the wild, Denver Zoo helps fund these important conservation projects. Protection of all these species will require an intimate knowledge of their biological requirements, especially the key habitat resources they rely upon to survive. It will also require understanding the threats they face to develop practical conservation actions.

Corsac Fox and Red Fox Diet in Dornogobi, Mongolia
James Murdoch, Buyandelger Suuri, and Dr. Richard P. Reading (Denver Zoo)

The aim of this project is to identify the main prey items both species rely upon and examine whether differences in diet exist between species. The study is conducted in the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve in Dornogobi, Mongolia.

Researchers collect and analyze scat samples to determine the prey items the foxes were consuming. They then calculate the percent occurrence and percent volume of different prey items in scats. The results of the study show that insects occur most commonly in scats (54% of corsac and 58% of red fox scats). Small mammals were found in 32% of corsac and 29% of red fox scats. Reptiles and birds occur rarely in the scats of either species, accounting for less than two percent of scat volume for both species. Large mammal remains also occurred rarely, in less than eight percent of scats of either species.

The study has revealed the importance of insects for both species. Corsac foxes appeared to rely heavily on beetles and supplement their diet with small mammals. Red foxes, by comparison, relied mostly on crickets and large mammal remains. Protecting habitats with high insect abundance, such as long grass steppe, should be a conservation priority in the Ikh Nart Reserve.

Pallas’ Cat Conservation in Dornogobi, Mongolia
James Murdoch, Tserendorj Munkhzul, and Dr. Richard P. Reading (Denver Zoo)

The goal of this project is to develop a conservation plan for Pallas’ cats in the steppes of Mongolia. Researchers aimed to identify the habitat requirements of the Pallas’ cat, obtain information from herders on the threat of hunting, and investigate the legal regulations governing cat hunting in Mongolia. 

The project was conducted in the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve in Dornogobi, Mongolia during the 2005/2006 winter. Researchers radio collared Pallas’ cats, interviewed herder families living in the reserve to obtain information on hunting, and conducted a review of wildlife laws governing Pallas’ cats in Mongolia.

Researchers found that the most used habitats included those associated with drainages: steep, sandy drainages connecting grassland and semi-desert environments, and long grass dominated steppe along drainage banks. Interviews indicated that Pallas’ cats are hunted opportunistically during winter, mostly for furs that are sold in local markets and body parts that are used locally for medicinal purposes. Traders also seek live animals for international markets. Most hunting occurs illegally within reserve boundaries.

Mongolian national wildlife law stipulates that Pallas’ cats may be legally hunted for ‘household purposes’ provided hunters obtain permits; however, this system is largely ineffective and rarely enforced. 

Based on the results of this study, researchers propose seven key conservation actions for Pallas’ cats in the region:

• Prioritizing protection efforts on important ‘drainage’ habitats.
• Enacting policy changes to clarify laws.
• Revising the hunting permit system.
• Strengthening enforcement of local and national wildlife laws.
• Implementing a monitoring program that follows cat population trends.
• Initiating a scientific program that investigates cat biology.
• Developing an education program to teach the value of conservation.