Gobi A and B

The Biosphere Reserve consists of two different parts: Gobi A (approximately 44'000 km²) and Gobi B (approximately 9'000 km²). These two areas are different not only in size, but also in climate, flora, fauna and the degree of human exploitation.

Gobi A remained intact to a large extent because of its lack of water. Gobi A is home to two of the most endangered species of animals on earth: the two humped Bactrian camel and the Gobi bear. During the last few months, the number of human residents in this park has increased significantly, which has a lasting effect on this fragile habitat.

Gobi B is an important habitat for wild animals and humans. Roughly one hundred families with a livestock of approximately 60'000 animals make use of this area especially during winter and during their migration in spring and autumn. The traditional, extensive exploitation is in line with the requirements of the large wild animals such as the Takhi and the Khulan. Therefore, Gobi B corresponds to the notion of a biosphere reservation according to the conventions of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Establishment of the Biosphere Reserve

In 1991, the United Nations and the Mongolian government designated the Great Gobi an international Biosphere Reserve. It is the largest of its kind in Asia and the fourth largest worldwide. Gobi is home to several rare or globally threatened species of animals and plants.