TAKHI POPULATION GROWTH CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF HABITAT

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ There is a necessity to enlarge takhi (Przewalski's horse) habitat in Mongolia as the population is nearing 600, said Reinhard Schnidrig, President of International Takhi-Group. President Schnidrig met Monday with Ts.Garamjav MP, Head of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture to exchange views on challenges in takhi preservation and breeding in Mongolia. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of reintroduction of takhi or Przewalski’s horse into its native land Mongolia. At present, the nearly 600 takhi population inhabits three strictly protected areas – Khustain Nuruu National Park, Khomiin Tal in Zavkhan aimag and Takhiin Tal natural reserve in Gobi-Altai aimag. Schnidrig spoke about a bill concerning the expansion of protected areas for takhi inhabitance, which has been formulated and submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, requesting the Parliament member to support the legislation during Parliament discussion. “There are possibilities of takhi herds overstepping their habitat as the population continues to grow,” he said. Ts.Garamjav MP appreciated efforts of the International Takhi-Group in reintroducing and preserving takhi in Mongolia, expressing her readiness to support the draft legislation. Member of Parliament and the Standing Committee O.Batnasan was present at the meeting and talked about his recent trip taken to the territory selected to be declared as takhi habitat. “Being sparsely-populated, the area is suitable for takhi inhabitance,” he said. Thus, the sides agreed to expand takhi habitat in Mongolia and intensify cooperation in protection of takhi. Kh.Aminaa