The Gobi Bear, known as Mazaalai in Mongolian is one of the rarerst of creatures. It is thought that no more than forty are still alive – the number could be as low as twenty! There is, however, some very good news: a  female Mazaalai has been spotted with twin cubs in the Tsogt soum of the Gobi-Altai  Aimag (province). The Mazaalai (Ursus arctos) is listed as being under risk in the Mongolian Redbook of Endangered Species; the small, remaining population lives the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area.  

Scientists have been warning that the number of Mazaalai has decreased alarmingly and that the species is on the verge of becoming extinct. Mongolia is trying to bring attention of the international community on those species that need urgent protection. A NGO called ‘Save Mazaalai’ was established this year to protect such a rare animal.