After over six decades of separation caused by fencing along the Trans-Mongolian Railway, the Asiatic wild ass, or khulan, is making an encouraging comeback in eastern Mongolia. Concerted conservation actions have reopened critical migration routes, enabling these iconic animals to reestablish a foothold in their ancestral habitat.
- Railway fencing removal enables khulan migration after 65 years
- Hundreds of wild asses now recorded east of the Trans-Mongolian Railway
- Plans underway to create a protected area supporting long-term habitat security
What happened
The Asiatic wild ass, locally called khulan, had been absent from eastern Mongolia for more than 65 years, largely due to fencing installed along the Trans-Mongolian Railway. This fencing blocked the natural migratory routes vital for the movement of khulan and other species, fragmenting a once-continuous landscape.
In recent years, a coalition of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Mongolian government, and private partners implemented key changes by removing fencing on several sections of the railway. They also established a designated 'safe passage' zone free of barriers near the China–Mongolia border. These efforts have allowed the khulan to cross freely, with monitoring confirming the presence of multiple groups reclaiming territory east of the railway.
Why it feels good
This development marks a significant conservation breakthrough, providing hope for the recovery of a wide-ranging species that plays a crucial ecological role in Mongolia’s arid steppe. Restoring connectivity not only helps khulan access seasonal grazing and water sources but also strengthens the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
The success highlights the power of collaborative approaches between government authorities, conservationists, and local partners to balance human infrastructure needs with wildlife preservation. It offers a positive example of how thoughtful interventions can reverse habitat fragmentation and support biodiversity.
What to enjoy or watch next
Plans are progressing to establish a new local protected area east of the Trans-Mongolian Railway to secure long-term habitat protection and support the ongoing recolonization by khulan. Continued monitoring will track population growth and ensure safety around railway crossings.
Further conservation milestones in Mongolia are anticipated as the country aims to increase its protected land and water areas from 13% toward a global 30% target. This expanded protection, alongside other efforts, promises a hopeful future for the khulan and many other native species that depend on intact wilderness landscapes.