The Khulan, or Mongolian wild ass, is considered one of the six remarkable animals of the Gobi Desert and remains one of Mongolia’s most iconic wildlife species. More than 80 percent of the world’s entire khulan population lives within Mongolia, making the country a globally significant habitat for the species.
A fully grown Mongolian wild ass can reach up to 220 centimeters in body length, stand 137 centimeters tall at the shoulder, and weigh nearly 200 kilograms. Compared to domestic horses, the khulan has a noticeably larger head, longer ears, and a distinctive tail covered with short, thin hair only at the tip. Its light brown or dun-colored coat allows it to blend naturally into the vast desert landscape.
For centuries, the khulan has adapted to the harsh climate of the Gobi, surviving extreme temperatures, drought, and long migrations across arid terrain. However, in recent years, the species has faced increasing pressure due to environmental and human-related factors. According to environmental authorities, the khulan’s habitat and migration range have significantly shrunk over the past two to three years as a result of climate change, worsening weather conditions, and the degradation of natural ecosystems.
In addition to habitat loss, illegal hunting and exploitation driven by financial gain have become serious threats to the species. Conservation experts warn that these activities have contributed to a sharp decline in the khulan population, placing the animal at greater risk despite long-standing legal protections.
The species has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the international scale and “Regionally Endangered” under the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. Recognizing the urgency of protecting the khulan, Mongolia officially banned hunting of the species in 1953. Later, it was included in the list of rare animals under Resolution No. 7 of the Mongolian Government in 2012 and was also registered in the Mongolian Red Book.
Environmental police officials are now urging citizens to take an active role in protecting wildlife and preventing environmental crimes. Under the relevant law, citizens may provide paid information related to crimes and violations. Authorities therefore encourage the public to report environmental crimes, including illegal hunting and activities against protected wildlife, by contacting the police emergency hotline 102 or the dedicated environmental crime number 7019-1070.
The Ecological Police Department emphasized that protecting endangered species such as the khulan is not only the responsibility of the government and conservation organizations, but also a shared duty of every citizen. Preserving the khulan means preserving the ecological balance, natural heritage, and unique biodiversity of the Gobi Desert for future generations.
