Geography

The Strictly Protected Area Great Gobi B is located in Mongolia's southwest. It consists of vast plains. In the western region there are hill ranges and in the eastern regions there are mountains with altitudes ranging from 2000 – 4000 metres above sealevel. The takhi lives mainly in the areas high in „gobs“, which gave the Gobi desert its name.

Gobs are subterranean streams. Its sources are in the hill ranges. They flow to the desert, turning the bordering land to grassland. Some of these sources never dry out – in these areas, various types of grasses occur.

In the National Park, there are 6 water sources (Yolkhon, Takhin Us, Chonin Us, Gashuun Us, Gun Tamag and Toodog), which partially cover large areas.

Criterias for the new habitat:

- severals water sources
- natural hiding places und shelter during winter
- protected areas
- favourable geochemical conditions
- prolific grassland
- a low number of blood-feeding insects
- a low number of domesticated horses

Climate

The Great Gobi B has a cold continental climate with long, cold winters and short, hot summers. The temperature differs: 75 °C in the course of the year and 25 °C during the day. There is low rainfall, not preceeding 100 mm per year, mostly during the summer.

Vegetation

In Takhintal, there are mostly grasses (Poaceae), composites (Asteraceae), legumes (Fabaceae) and goosefoots (Chenopodiaceae). In spring, the steppe is covered with wild onions and the vegetation along the streams is lush and green. The number of saxaul bushes, formerly a widespread species, is declining because its wood is used as firewood. Sustained production of energy aims to limit its use for firewood.

Mammals, Reptiles and Birds

The takhi, the khulan (wild ass) and the goitered gazelle are the most famous animals living in the Great Gobi B. The largest predator, the wolf, can usually not be seen. However, his tracks and faeces can be found. The fox, however, is often seen. Feline animals such as the lynx and the snow leopard live in Great Gobi B's south west, whereas the Siberian capricorn usually stays in the mountains. Small mammals such as the long-eared hedgehog and many of the 25 different kinds of rodents are nocturnal.

The reptile fauna ist small. The most famous species is the toad headed lizard, which can often be seen.

97 bird species spend the whole year or part of it in the Great Gobi B. The Pallas's Sandgrouse, which is typical for the Gobi B, can be watched at watering holes. But the most common species is the Horned Lark. Building a nest out of small stones, the Demoiselle Crane has a mystic significance. In the Great Gobi B, there are 12 different species of birds of prey. Admirable species are the Black Vulture, the Bearded Vulture, the Steppe Eagle and the Golden Eagle.

The Takhi’s Habitat

Takhintal is part of the original habitat of the wild horses. The area around the water source at Chonin Us is an important place for the takhis to spend the winter. Khulans and gazelles as well as coastal birds and different species of ducks stay there during summer. The area of Takhin Us and Gun Tamag was an important source of water for the last free roaming Takhis.