Mongolia is grappling with one of its most severe winters in recent history, resulting in the tragic loss of over two million animals. Gantulga Batsaikhan, a spokesperson from the country's agriculture ministry, announced on Monday that 2.1 million head of livestock have died due to starvation and exhaustion.
The landlocked nation, typically accustomed to extreme cold from December to March with temperatures dropping as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius, is facing unprecedented challenges this year. According to a recent United Nations report, this winter has been more brutal than usual, characterized by lower temperatures and exceptionally heavy snowfall.
At the end of 2023, Mongolia had a livestock population of 64.7 million, including sheep, goats, horses, and cows. The current crisis is a manifestation of the \"dzud,\" a natural phenomenon that leads to massive livestock deaths during harsh winters. Climate change is playing a significant role in increasing both the frequency and intensity of dzuds, the United Nations highlighted.
This winter's dzud has been particularly devastating due to a preceding summer drought. The lack of adequate rainfall prevented animals from building up the necessary fatty reserves to withstand the severe cold, leading to higher mortality rates. Mongolia has experienced six dzuds in the past decade, with the winter of 2022 to 2023 alone witnessing the loss of 4.4 million livestock.
The ongoing extreme weather not only affects the livelihoods of thousands of herders but also underscores the broader impacts of climate change on traditional farming practices. As Mongolia continues to navigate these challenging conditions, the resilience of its people and their livestock remains a testament to their enduring spirit.
Reference(s):
Two million animals dead as extreme winter weather hits Mongolia
cgtn.com
