- Surveillance
on the Steppe Photo - A radio-collared Mongolian gazelle sets out across the Eastern Steppe. These antelope are among the last great herds of migratory wildlife, with more than a million traveling across the vast expanse of Mongolia’s grasslands as they search for forage throughout the year.
For the past decade, these animals have been part of a wildlife health study conducted by WCS and partners. The researchers have found that livestock, rather than gazelles, drive foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks on the Eastern Steppe. This highly contagious viral disease affects domestic sheep, goats, camels, and cattle, as well as Mongolian gazelles. Based on the results, the researchers recommend a livestock vaccination and health-monitoring program.
- © Takehiko Y. Ito/Arid Land Research Center-Tottori University (Japan)