Animals of Mongolia: Wildlife Guide for Travelers (2026)

Mongolia is home to roughly 139 mammal species, around 449 bird species, and smaller numbers of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, shaped by habitats ranging from northern taiga to the Gobi Desert. Signature species include the snow leopard, Argali sheep, Siberian musk deer, and the Przewalski's horse, the world's only truly wild horse species, successfully reintroduced to Mongolia after going extinct there in the wild. Most wildlife viewing happens in national parks such as Khustai, Gobi Gurvansaikhan, and the Altai Tavan Bogd region.

Mongolia's wildlife diversity comes from its position at the meeting point of Siberian forest, Central Asian steppe, and true desert. Commonly cited figures for the country's biodiversity include:

Around 139 species of mammals
Roughly 449 species of birds, many migratory
About 76 species of fish
22 species of reptiles
6 species of amphibians

Species counts vary slightly between sources depending on survey year and classification, but the overall picture is consistent: Mongolia supports far more biodiversity than its dry, sparsely populated reputation suggests.

No animal represents Mongolian conservation success better than the Przewalski's horse, known locally as takhi. It's the world's only truly wild horse species, genetically distinct from domesticated horses, and it went extinct in the wild by the late 1960s.

Reintroduction efforts using captive-bred horses from zoos worldwide began in the 1990s
Khustai National Park, about two hours from Ulaanbaatar, is the most accessible place to see wild takhi herds today
Population numbers have grown steadily since reintroduction, though the species remains conservation-dependent
Seeing takhi in the wild is one of the more reliable major-wildlife sightings available on a short trip from the capital

The snow leopard is Mongolia's most iconic predator, sometimes called the "ghost of the mountains" for how rarely it's seen despite a substantial population.

Mongolia holds an estimated population of around 1,000 snow leopards, among the largest national populations in the world
They live in the Altai and other high mountain ranges, hunting ibex and Argali sheep on steep, rocky terrain
Sightings are rare and typically require a dedicated, patient expedition with experienced local guides
The species remains classified as vulnerable, with habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict as ongoing threats

The Argali is the world's largest wild sheep species, and one of Mongolia's most significant populations lives in the Altai Mountains region.

Sheep are grazers, favoring grass, while wild goats like the Siberian ibex are browsers, favoring shrubs and leaves, a useful distinction for identifying species in the field
Argali are a threatened species, with Mongolia holding one of their largest remaining global populations
Best spotted in mountainous protected areas of western Mongolia, often alongside ibex on similar terrain

The Siberian musk deer is a small, secretive, mostly nocturnal species found at elevations above roughly 2,600 meters.

Adults are small, weighing up to about 17 kg
Classified as a threatened species, largely due to poaching
Hunted illegally for musk glands, which have reportedly sold for tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram on international markets, driving continued poaching pressure
It's possible to extract musk without killing the animal, though this humane method is not standard practice
Travelers should avoid purchasing musk-based products of uncertain origin while in Mongolia or elsewhere in the region

The Cinereous vulture, also called the black or monk vulture, is the largest vulture species in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Adapted to high altitude, with notably dense feathering compared to other vultures
Feeds mainly on carrion but has occasionally been observed taking live prey
Known to drop tortoises from height to break their shells, a rare and striking feeding behavior
Considered relatively intelligent among raptors and has been successfully kept in captivity

The Lammergeyer has one of the largest wingspans of any bird and is the only bird species known to feed primarily on bone rather than flesh.

Its diet centers on bone marrow, extracted by swallowing smaller bones whole
Larger bones are carried to height and dropped onto rocks to break them open, a learned behavior repeated at favored feeding sites
Named for the distinctive tuft of feathers beneath its beak

The Tarbagan marmot, found mainly around the Altai mountains region, is now an endangered species after historically being hunted for food and fur.

Traditionally eaten in Mongolia in a dish called boodog, though hunting has declined significantly as populations have dropped
Found in protected areas including Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Marmots also carry historical significance as a natural reservoir for plague in Mongolia, which is part of why regulated hunting and public health monitoring both matter here

The Altai snowcock is a large, partridge-like mountain bird found at high elevations, often in the same terrain as ibex and Argali sheep.

Well camouflaged against rocky mountain slopes, making it a rewarding but challenging bird to spot
Found in mountainous national parks including Gobi Gurvansaikhan, despite the desert setting, since the park includes significant mountain terrain

Khustai National Park – the most reliable place to see wild Przewalski's horses, roughly two hours from Ulaanbaatar
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park – wild Bactrian camels, ibex, and Altai snowcock, among Gobi terrain
Altai Tavan Bogd region – snow leopard territory, along with Argali sheep and golden eagles
Best season: late spring through early autumn (May–September) offers the most accessible wildlife viewing conditions, though some species, including snow leopards, are easier to track against snow in winter with a specialized expedition

Several of Mongolia's most distinctive species, including the musk deer and wild Bactrian camel, are endangered partly because of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Travelers can support conservation by choosing tour operators who work with licensed protected areas, avoiding any wildlife products of unclear origin, and reporting suspected poaching or illegal wildlife trade to local authorities.

Discover Mongolia Travel has operated since 2004 and organizes wildlife-focused itineraries to national parks including Khustai and Gobi Gurvansaikhan.

What is the most iconic wild animal in Mongolia?

The snow leopard and the Przewalski's horse are generally considered Mongolia's two most iconic wild species, representing the country's remote mountain wilderness and its conservation successes.

Can tourists see wild horses in Mongolia?

Yes, Khustai National Park, about two hours from Ulaanbaatar, is the most reliable place to see wild Przewalski's horses, reintroduced after going extinct in the wild in the late 1960s.

How many snow leopards live in Mongolia?

Mongolia holds an estimated population of around 1,000 snow leopards, among the largest national populations of the species in the world, though sightings remain rare.

Is the Siberian musk deer endangered?

Yes, It's classified as a threatened species, primarily due to illegal poaching for its musk glands, which are highly valuable on international markets.

What's the difference between a wild sheep and a wild goat in Mongolia?

Sheep, like the Argali, are grazers that prefer grass, while goats, like the Siberian ibex, are browsers that prefer shrubs and leaves, a useful distinction when spotting wildlife in mountain terrain.

Where can I see wild Bactrian camels?

Wild Bactrian camels live in remote, strictly protected parts of the Gobi Desert and are rarely seen outside dedicated conservation areas, unlike the domesticated camels common throughout the region.

What's the best time of year for wildlife viewing in Mongolia?

May through September offers the most accessible conditions for most species, though some wildlife, including snow leopards, is more visible against snow during a specialized winter expedition.

Is it ethical to buy animal products as souvenirs in Mongolia?

Travelers should avoid musk-based or other wildlife-derived products of unclear origin, since illegal poaching remains a serious threat to species like the Siberian musk deer.