The Gobi Bear, known locally as the Mazaalai, is a subspecies of brown bear (Ursus arctos gobiensis) and the only bear species in the world that lives exclusively within a desert environment. It is categorized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its extreme rarity and isolated habitat in Mongolia underscore the urgency of conservation efforts.
Defining the Gobi Bear and Its Unique Habitat
The Gobi Bear is a genetically distinct and isolated subspecies of the brown bear, adapted to arid conditions. These bears are significantly smaller than their relatives; adult males typically weigh between 96 and 138 kilograms. They possess a coat that is often a lighter, dusty brown or sandy beige color. Their claws are also more blunt, an adaptation for digging for roots and food in the hard, rocky desert ground.
The bear’s entire range is confined to isolated mountain ranges and three complexes of oases within the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area in southwestern Mongolia. This habitat is characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from over 40°C in the summer to well below freezing in the winter.
The Current Population Estimate
The number of Gobi Bears remaining in the wild is exceptionally low, making it the rarest bear on Earth. Scientific monitoring, primarily through genetic analysis of scat samples and hair, has established the population at approximately 30 to 40 individuals.
Monitoring the exact population size is difficult due to the bear’s low density, vast home range, and elusive nature in the remote desert environment. Researchers employ camera trapping, GPS collaring, and DNA analysis to track individuals and assess population dynamics. While some recent census efforts have suggested the number could be slightly higher, the consensus remains that the total population is critically small and has historically never exceeded 50 individuals.
Primary Threats Driving Population Decline
The critically low population of the Mazaalai is driven by environmental and human-induced pressures. Climate change is a major factor, leading to increased droughts that severely limit the availability of water and plant-based food resources.
Since the bears rely almost entirely on plant matter (approximately 99% vegetation), the lack of wild rhubarb, berries, and grass shoots directly impacts their ability to build fat reserves before winter hibernation. Habitat fragmentation is another pressure, largely due to infrastructure development and mining activities within and near the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area. Competition with domestic livestock for the limited water at oases places additional stress on the population, especially during prolonged drought.
The small population also suffers from extremely low genetic diversity and a skewed sex ratio favoring males. This compromises the species’ long-term reproductive viability and ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Targeted Conservation Strategies
Conservation efforts focus on direct intervention and scientific monitoring to support the survival and recovery of the Mazaalai. A key strategy involves establishing supplemental feeding stations that provide food and water at specific oasis locations, particularly before winter hibernation. These programs ensure the bears have enough sustenance to survive the harsh cold months and support reproductive success.
The Mongolian government, in partnership with international organizations, has designated the bears’ entire range as the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area to safeguard the habitat from encroachment. Research projects utilize satellite tracking, including GPS collars, to gather data on the bears’ movement patterns, home ranges, and habitat use. This information helps scientists identify and protect the most frequently used areas and water sources. Ultimately, this data informs more effective management of the species.