Mongolia has greatly benefited from the technical assistance provided by the Chinese government in the protection of the Gobi bear. The “Mongolia Gobi Bear Technical Assistance Project” initiated by China has become an important milestone in conserving this rare species. Through this project, China has supported Mongolia in identifying the Gobi bear population and providing training for local experts, among other significant efforts.
The Gobi bear, considered Mongolia’s “national bear,” is the only bear species living in desert and desert-like areas. This bear, found in Mongolia’s Great Gobi Conservation Area, is critically endangered due to habitat loss. Under an agreement signed between China and Mongolia in 2018, the project has helped Mongolia develop conservation strategies, improve habitat conditions, and enhance monitoring of the bears.
As part of the project, extensive monitoring of the Gobi bear’s natural habitat in the Great Gobi Conservation Area has been conducted. Chinese and Mongolian experts worked together to analyze the bear’s DNA, successfully identifying 52 individual bears, a significant increase compared to previous estimates of just over 20. In addition, 30 Mongolian experts received training in China. China’s contributions have not only helped protect the Gobi bear but have also significantly supported wildlife conservation efforts across the region.