The Gobi-Altai aimag is internationally known for its endangered animals including the Mazaalai (gobi bear), snow leopard, ibex, argali sheep, saiga antelope and wild bactrian camel.

During the aimag”s Citizen”s Representative”s Khural meeting earlier this month it was announced that the Mazaalai will be the Aimag Animal of Glory.

The Mongolian “Red Book” lists the Mazaalai as an endangered species. According to a survey there are only 22 Mazaalai left in the wild. Only eight female bears and 14 males have been recorded. The Mazaalai live in 3 or 4 family groups across 2.1 million hectares in the Great Gobi Protected area including the Tsagaan Bogd, Atas-Inges and Shar khuls Oasis areas.

The proclamation that the Mazaalai will be the Altai-Gobi Aimag Animal of Glory is designed to show the youth the importance of this creature, to encourage them to cherish and protect nature and to promote tourism in the area.