The Association is facing some problems for their good activities. Even though Gun-Galuut has been protected properly with good method of management, there are still some problems. We are sorry to inform you the problems below.

Stranded wildlife habitat

Protest of the locals

Poaching

Increase of domestic animals

Desertification

Stranded wildlife habitat: Many good impacts are made by tourism to the locals, the more people come to Gun-Galuut to improve their livelihood in this pleasant condition. There were over 30 households in Gun-Galuut NR by the time 2004, and now in 2007 it gets up to about 60. They moved here from not only Bayandelger soum, but also from other counties and especially Baganuur district (one of 9 districts of Ulaanbaatar). Some people from anywhere only bring their livestock for good and fresh pasture. On the other hand, very pleasant condition for the domestic livestock have been created in Gun-Galuut NR due to the improved conservation of the several core zones isolated from the crowds of human and livestock. In other words, since the grass growth is very good as well pasture, some locals are trying to come here just to use the fine grazing pasture without any interests to participate in tourism activities.
These 2 circumstances affect badly on the living habitats of the visitors’ favorite animals Argali sheep and the globally threatened birds White-naped crane, Hooded crane, Siberian crane and Swan goose, etc., (these precious birds’ nest in wetland and small lakes). This faced threat is one of indirect negative impacts of tourism in Gun-Galuut NR.
Even though there is statement about not pasturing livestock in the core zone of protected area in the regulation of Gun-Galuut NR and law of the protected area of Mongolia, it isn’t practical in real life. In conclusion, Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve's wildlife habitat has been stranded due to the crowded locals and their livestocks.

Protest of the locals: Some of them has been protesting our conservation activities, doesn't take part in actively and doesn't comply regulation of NR. They are really problems to implement any conservation activities. For instance: they broke bridge, road blocks entrance and protection fence of core zone, address boards of NR, etc., Also they herd their livestock to the core, tourism and limited zones of NR by using its fresh grass.

Poaching:
Poachers from Ulaanbaatar and Baganuur town come to marmot and gazelles here. But they sometimes kill Argali by accidents or deliberately. Also some people shot an Argali while the herd was going for water to the River Kherlen. Fish of the River Kherlen is hunted a lot. But no single penny is given to the local community budget from these hunts. Also fishermen use illegal methods such as dynamite and net to catch fish.

Increase of domestic animals: For the last years, the number of the domestic animals has been increasing rapidly. It is good for the country economy, however, it influences badly for the Argali and other wild animals as their main habitat and pasture are being taken by the livestock. Thus, establishing a policy to protect the Argali constantly is vital.

Desertification: Desertification and overgrazing land are noticed intensively because there isn’t the proper pasture management in Mongolia. Conservation of the protected areas and pasture management still haven’t been solved completely in Mongolia. It is increasing, as shown by the growing frecuency of dust storms. Land covered with sand increased by 38000 hectares between 1941-1990.

So, we call it “Conflicted Situation” between the locals and the nature conservation and tourism development. If we can not solve this problem as soon as possible, the habitats of the wild animals and birds are possibly facing with danger of extinct up-coming, and they'll move away from this area. Futhermore it won't be possible that the tourism develops in this area.

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Some people are preparing their hay from Mt.Baits - home for the Argali sheep
Who broke the bridge?
This man used to fish during fish spawning period
This man used to come everyday to fish and sell them
Taking away pale for nature protection
They break the road blocks and enter the core area?
Domestic animals are taking Lake Ayaga - main place for the White Crane and other rare birds