Today, only around 10,000 red deer are in the wild left, mostly in the forest areas of central Mongolia. For long-term success, any conservation program needs to be embedded in the broader context of ecosystem conservation, carried out in collaboration with local residents, nomads, and the Government of Mongolia.

Overall deer population is still decreasing in Mongolia. The population decrease can be attributed to the combined effects of competing with livestock for pasture and overhunting. The Altai Red Deer NGO is carrying out a reintroduction project since 2017. They introduced 43 red deer fawns from Khustai Nuruu to the Khantaishir Mountains through three transport operations, initially keeping them in an acclimation pasture under veterinary observation. The young deer were gently released into the wild after 10 months of adaptation. 

As a result of better conservation management at Khustai National Park through this deer reintroduction program of NGO, today deer population numbers at the park are slowly increasing. This is a very promising development. It could present a model for deer reintroduction in the Khantaishir Mountains.

Nevertheless, the conservation of the deer population today and in the future depends on the protection of their habitat, as well as cooperation with local residents and improved awareness among the public and the youth.

 SDC decided to join hands with “Altai Red Deer NGO. With this financial support, the NGO was able to organize deer transportation, to give veterinary services, to facilitate winter preparations, as well as taking care for some public awareness activities, including a photo exhibition and presentations for children and youth in Altai. Let us hope, that our children will still have the opportunity to show once to their children these gorgeous wild animals as part of the beautifulness of Mongolia.

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