Khar Us Lake National Park, an important bird area in Mongolia.

The main goal of the proposed research and conservation program for the Eastern Asian subpopulation of Dalmatian Pelican (as shown in photo) is to promote the population recovery by ensuring the survival of the last remaining breeding pairs and protecting their habitat through developing sustainable use of wetland areas and harmony between pelicans and nomads that share same wetlands. Main threats to Dalmatian Pelicans, the largest of eight pelican species on earth, are degradation of nesting habitats and disturbance at nest sites, and shooting for their beaks by herders in western Mongolia.

Pelican nesting in Airag Lake in 1998

Especially, livestock degradation said to be major threat to islands where pelican breed.

We believe that by conducting the proposed research and conservation program for the Dalmatian Pelicans in Mongolia, we can obtain information on the current state, and data to further our understanding and planning effective research and conservation actions for this critically endangered species. The proposed program consists of three phases and will run for 3-5 years.