After years of absence, the khulan, also known as the Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus), is returning to its natural habitat. This significant comeback follows the removal of 1,500 meters of fencing along the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which had previously restricted the movement of wildlife.
Khulan Population Surge After Fencing Removal
According to a study published in Oryx in April 2026, approximately 384 khulan have been spotted east of the Trans-Mongolian Railway as of 2024. This area had been devoid of khulan since the 1950s due to fencing constructed between 1940 and 1956 to prevent livestock collisions. The khulan is currently classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a global population estimated at about 100,000.
Impact of Railway Fencing
- The construction of the Trans-Mongolian Railway created habitat fragmentation.
- Fencing limited khulan access to grazing areas, water sources, and dispersal routes.
- Isolated populations diminished the species’ long-term resilience.
Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar, a senior scientist with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia, emphasized the fencing’s adverse effects on wildlife connectivity. “This fragmentation effectively isolated habitats, preventing khulan from accessing essential resources,” he explained.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
In a dedicated effort to restore khulan populations, WCS Mongolia initiated a conservation project between May 2019 and December 2021. Although the removed fencing was later reinstated to prevent livestock-related incidents, the temporary openings allowed the khulan to gradually reclaim their territory.
In 2024, conservationists observed four distinct groups of khulan in the area, indicating successful species recovery. Additionally, surveys found that khulan utilized informal gaps in the fences, highlighting the necessity for ongoing access to their traditional ranges. WCS team members also monitored these sites using camera traps, particularly during harsh winters when forage was scarce.
Future Risks for Khulan
Despite the positive developments, the khulan face new challenges in their reclaimed habitat. In May 2025, a safe passage zone was established at the Zamyn-Üüd border crossing in collaboration with Mongolian authorities. However, local communities may lack understanding of the khulan’s protected status, raising concerns about potential disturbances or illegal hunting.
- Competition for water and pasture resources with livestock is a growing issue.
- Eastern regions experience droughts, limiting khulan’s water supply.
The success of the khulan’s return highlights the importance of effective conservation strategies and community awareness in preserving this unique species in the Gobi Desert.
